Dredd (2012)

7/10

Plot: In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO. 

Based on the comic books, Dredd is a guy flick with a ton of violence, shooting, bloody gruesome gore, car chase and armoured hero ass kicking. The only thing missing is a romanic story to tie it all up.

Judge Dredd, played by Karl Urban, dominated the screen with a mean and serious growl the entire film. Urban brought more character to Dredd and is much more believable than Stallone in the first Dredd film in 1995. Urban, although I really wanted to see his face, kept the helmet on as Dredd the entire film keeping close to the comic books. The only part of Urban we saw is the lower half of his face, as his eyes were covered by the helmet. Even with most of his face covered, Urban was able to convey many deep emotions during some heart to heart moments with his fellow cast member Olivia Thirlby, who portrayed Judge Anderson. Thirlby, is fantastic, she reminds me of Camilla Belle in Push.

The graphics and visual effects in Dredd at times looked very animated but this worksin favour for the drug induced scenes and the comic book nature of this film. The slow-mo mixed with highly saturated imageries made the film feel like it stepped straight out of the pages of a comic.


If you hate gore and blood, this film is everything you'll hate. The slow colourful scenes of blood splatters and skin tearing scenes can make your skin crawl. Even though this film isn't as nasty as SAW or slasher films, Dredd still embraces similar aspects...just without the horror.

All in all, don't over think it and just enjoy this action flick!

Push (2009)

7/10

Push is a very exciting sci-fi, action, thriller that is definitely worth the watch. It is exciting and gripping, a mixture of Jumper and X-men.

I was quite surprised by how much I liked this film especially after seeing the low rating it received. The film is exciting, action packed and contains certain amount of mystery that makes it quite entertaining.

The cast consisting of Dijimon Hounsou, Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans and Camilla Belle are fantastic combination, with a appearance by Joel Gretsch (from V and The 4400).

The setting being in Hong Kong gives this film an interesting appeal. The flashbacks and dream like sequences are well integrated with the sci-fi aspect of the storyline. The cinematography and editing technique is choppy and has certain qualities similar to that of Chungking Express.

Push does have some down sides as its storyline lacks in depth, and there are some loop holes that goes unexplained. Overall, a very entertaining and action filled movie that kept me interested.

If you enjoyed Jumper, X-Men, or Mutant X(TV show) then I would recommend this movie.

The Door (Die Tür) (2009)

7/10

A second chance in life...but comes at a price.

The Door (Die Tur) 2009 is about a successful artist who loses control of his life after his young daughter's death. A chance for a new start appears, but all is not what it seems.

Intriguing idea that is well shot but with some loop holes.

The movie begins in what appears to be an innocent/peaceful residential street, which gives this film a very spooky feeling as it is nothing near innocent. The film's most important event, the death of the child, occurs in the first 10 minutes of the film, which sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Mads Mikkelsen was fantastic in the lead role as the father, who took his life for granted and wants to redeem himself. Mikkelsen is great playing a role that is fairly dynamic.
There are a few events in the film that brought up more questions than answers, but the overall effect of the film is fairly good as it keeps you pondering. I would recommend you to check it out and judge for yourself.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)

7/10

A touching family film with a great underlying message

Loved it. Similar type of feel good and meaningful family film that Pixar does so well. Many of the scenes are quite cheesy, but this film is aimed for family so it isn't too bad.

My favourite cameo comes from one of my favourite comedians, Colin Mochrie, who plays a hobo living at a 'hobo jungle' (where homeless people gather, and share what they have/can find.)

There are fairly funny dialogues and decent acting from all the kids.

Good family adventure with a lovely bit of mystery and heartfelt lesson about 'not judging a book by the cover'. There should be MORE films like this for kids! :) Good babysitting film to share with the kids.

Big Nothing (2006)

7/10
Starring Simon Pegg, David Schwimmer and Alice Eve

A frustrated, unemployed teacher joining forces with a scammer and his girlfriend in a blackmailing scheme (courtesy of IMDB)

Big Nothing is funny, full of plot twists and very entertaining. The film has just the right amount of dark humor balanced with the familiar techniques for a crime/blackmail movie.

Casting is great, Schwimmer and Pegg does a wonderful performance in the lead with a great support from Eve.

The overall plot twist is predictable, HOWEVER this film has so many small twists that it'll entertain you from beginning to end.

The cinematography and editing is fantastic in Big Nothing. There is never a dull shot, or a boring moment. I would watch this film again just for the cinematography.

Train of Life (1998)

7/10

Hope

Plot: In 1941, the inhabitants of a small Jewish village in Central Europe organize a fake deportation train so that they can escape the Nazis and flee to Palestine.

Similar to Life is Beautiful, Train of Life is a comedy drama war film about Jews attempting to survive during World War II terror from Nazi Germany.

Despite the subject matter, this film uses humor and some outrageous situations to look at the horrors of the holocaust through new dimensions. This and Life Is Beautiful are worth viewing.

Watch it all here with subtitles:

A Woman in Berlin (2008)

7/10 [recommended to selected viewers]

Intense, and harsh film based on a true account.

A Woman in Berlin, as its title says, is about a woman living in Berlin at the end of world war II. This film is her account of having to survive and the terror that she faces. The idea of safety and protection will never again be felt. Idea of love will never be the same.

All the ugliness, complexity and horrors of war are all laid out in this raw and harsh film.

The subject matter is difficult to handle, and there are some disturbing ....not recommended for everyone. Good but intense film.

I strongly advise against watching "Come And See (Idi i Smotri)" along with this film on the same day. Very hard hitting.

Rust and Bone (2012)

7/10

This film is not easy to explain, It is raw and blunt– a punch in the gut, yet it is also a film of intelligence and sensitivity.

Plot: Put in charge of his young son, Ali leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Ali's bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident

Delicatessen (1991)

7/10 [recommended]

Fantastic cinematography, with great editing, quirky cast and overall a wacky film.

Plot: Post-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares a delicacy for his odd tenants.

I knew I was in for a treat when the beginning credits started. Instead of your typical text on screen fading in and out, Delicatessen used credits that was attached to pieces of labels on rubbish. This initial credits alone was inspiring and very creative.

This French film is an art piece, with many themes embedded and is not afraid to push the limit.

Not one character in this film is not quirky, thus coming together to form a very wacky film.

Bill (2007)

7/10

Light hearted comedy with a few surprises

Plot: A guy fed up with his job and married to a cheating wife reluctantly mentors a rebellious teen.


This film is great as it addresses certain serious subjects using a light and humourous tone. It focuses on a man with no authority over his own life takes control-with some help from a kid with an authority issue. The underlining tone of this film requires a more mature and well read audience.

Aaron Eckhart, who's normally suave and sharply dressed, plays a very different type of character in this film. His performance is great as we witness his character go through some big transformations.

Harper's Island (2009)

7.5/10 [recommended]

Great mini-series that will keep you engaged (though predictable but still very thrilling)

PlOT: Harper's Island was once the scene of a gruesome series of murders. Now, seven years later, family and friends gather on the island for a wedding, but one by one they begin to die.

I watched this mini-series a few years ago. It is such an exciting series that I watched all 13 episodes in less than 5 days. It's a horror shot in BC, where (spoiler alert) a character dies per episode. This mini-series is fairly predictable at times, but it definitely does not disappoint with the horror/thrills/excitement.

Barfuss (Barefoot) (2005)

7/10

Cute, wacky German film with content

Baruss (English "Barefoot") is about Nick, a hedonistic bachelor, falls for an escaped mental patient.

Great acting, believable and simple story line to follow. Til Schweiger and Johanna Wokalek are the perfect duo for this film. Wokalek plays the socially awkward mental patient who found herself with the troublesome bachelor, played by Schweiger. A bunch of ridiculous and quirky situations ensues.

A fantastic German chick flick with a lot of underlining messages that I highly recommend!!

John Carter of Mars (2012)

7/10 [highly Recommended]

underrated gem filled with rich characters and an incredible new world.

Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

 What's not to love? Action, fight scenes, alien creatures, civilization on mars, and Taylor Kitsch in the lead.

The story telling style of John Carter is very unique as it explores the world of both earth and mars. It is not a simple story to follow if you aren't paying attention. There are many characters, endless new vocabulary to get used to, and a lot of 'clans' that are at war with one another.

Taylor Kitsch is perfect as long haired hero, John Carter and Lynn Collins as the princess of Mars. James Purefoy's character is also worth noting as it brought much comedic element to the film.

Though the graphics was not as extravagant as Avatar is was very believable and real. I feel that I enjoyed John Carter more than Avatar, not because of the graphics but rather the story and character development. John Carter explored more character depth and has much more complicated plot.

I highly recommend this film and pay close attention, as it is a thrill ride from minute one.

Man from Nowhere (2010)

7/10 [recommended to selected audience]

Gangs, drugs, smuggling, lone hero, fight scenes and blood blood blood...nothing new

Man From Nowhere is a Korean film about a quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drug- and organ trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.

Right off the bat we are introduced to a bunch of characters, and if you weren't paying attention, you would have a hard time keeping up. The plot, though not complicated, does not wait for you and moves fairly quickly.

A typical storyline full of action packed fight scenes of a lone heroic man, with a complicated past, attempting to save a girl's life. Although this film has many overdone cliche themes (lone super human saving a girl from cruel/ruthless drug dealers and one super bad guy who is of equal strength that the hero must fight), it is definitely not a boring movie to watch.

But of course, being a Korean film, Man From Nowhere did include some tear shedding drama accompanied by orchestra background music. This touch of 'heart warming' element does help balance out the action of the protagonist.

In short, if you like gory fight scenes with tone of explicit scenes full of bloodshed, then definitely watch this film. Nothing new but great friday night kick back film to watch!

With some careful re-analyzation of this film, I decided to bump it from the original rating to a 7. This film felt very similar to Leon, The Professional...just with more blood filled scenes. Though this film has some cliche themes, I have to admit the cinematography and use of sound is above par.

The Raid Redemption (2011)

7/10 [recommended to selected  audience]

The Raid is filled with fantastic action, packed with endless martial arts fight scenes, heart pumping suspenseful moments and a whole lot of gore.

The Raid Redemption is an action packed Indonesian film that feels like a cross between Kill Bill, Jackie Chan film (without the humour), Die Hard and Ninja Assassin.The entire film is set inside a run down apartment building, where layout remains a mystery and every corner of the premise is filled with thugs. The movie follows members of the SWAT team as they attempt to take down the mobster and his arm of killers.

The storyline is fairly simple, with a bit of a twist towards the end, but nothing overly complicated. What is worth noting is the well choreographed fight scenes and captivating cinematography.

Recommended to those who love a brainless action packed film full of blood, fights and action. Even though the subtitles went off course and paused  during parts of the movie, it did not effect the experience of the film.

Micmacs 2009

7/10 [Recommended]

Micmacs is about a man and his friends come up with an intricate and original plan to destroy two big weapons manufacturers

From the maker of the French film Amélie, brings you MicMacs, a clever and well edited with small clips of animation and shot/edited in a very unique technique.

A very quirky yet sophisticated film that takes your through a intricate plan to bring down two weapons manufacturers. This film may not be the most action packed film with car chases and fight scenes, but it did not need any of these elements to be just as exciting. Although slow paced at times, the amount of artistic elements that Micmacs contained, such as mechanical puppets and cut out pictures, made this film very spectacular.

The array of clever, witty, silly, and ridiculous characters brought together in this film are worth watching.

If I had to chose two words to describe this film it'd be 'smartly quirky'. Micmac is a smart film filled with many quirky characters and is a piece of masterpiece.

Napola (aka Before the Fall) 2004

7/10 [recommended]

Astounding and shocking look at how boys became weapons.

In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing skills get him an appointment to a National Political Academy (NaPolA) - high schools that produce Nazi elite

This film at first felt like a story of friendship but as the film rolled we see that friendship is clouded with cruel intentions attempting to build up killers. The innocences that each student that entered the school is washed away and filled with ideologies of the Nazi regime.

Definitely worth watching.

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)

7/10 [highly recommended]

Powerful true story

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days is a dramatization of the final days of Sophie Scholl, one of the most famous members of the German World War II anti-Nazi resistance movement, The White Rose.

Someone had to stand up to the state, and that someone was Sophie Scholl and her brother. They saw the cruelty of the Nazi regime and decides to make a difference.

Great acting. Gripping true story.

Secret Defense (2008)

7.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

unexpectedly exciting, might need to rewatch parts to fully get the plot twists/storyline

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


Secret Defense plot: In France, terrorist groups and intelligence agencies battle in a merciless war everyday, in the name of radically opposed ideologies.

The beginning starts off like the merry-go-round, slow and not so exciting. However, after the initial 15 minutes the film picks up right away like the roller coaster hitting its first hill.

The first 10 minutes introduced the history, relationship and personalities of the characters. There are many different characters, which makes it difficult to track the alliance between the members. This is done purposely to allow you to feel the confusion that the characters themselves feel in a world of espionage and secret service with much detail intelligence information. The introduction of the characters will lead to the ultimate conclusion and ties certain events together.

What "Secret Defense" does very well is it doesn't overdo any element of the film. The film uses of much cinematographic elements that is comparable to blockbuster films, like transitions, camera use and cuts. However, at no point in the film is any of it redundant and overused. Felt very tidy and pristine editing/filming technique.

Also, 70% of the film is shot with hand-held cameras but does a great job of balancing stability vs movement depending on the scene.

This film is not a walk in the park. It has some scenes that are not suitable for all viewers with a rating of 18+.

Tais-toi! (2003)

7/10

Has some hysterical moments

Tais-toi is about a journey taken by a determined outlaw and an idiot thief. Many ridiculous yet absolutely hilarious events ensue.

Take Pink Panther, Three Stooges, some way-too-easy-to-beat-up thugs/cops and roll them together...the end result is Tais-toi. T

Director/writer Francis Veber created a wonderful piece of comedy. Jean Reno gives a terrific performance as the serious character but is stuck with an idiot (much like Pink Panther with Steve Martin). Gérard Depardieu's character, let's just say you end up hating yet liking him at the same time.

There are few times during the film that felt really frustrating (like those moments when you are watching Mr. Bean, and he does something unbelievably awkward) and there are certain moments in this film tha tI was cry-laughing.

I would say give this film a try, it is different type of comedy for sure.