War of Buttons (2011)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Tres Magnificent!!!!

Plot: In occupied France, Lebrac leads a play war between two rival kid gangs, but his feelings for Violette, a Jewish girl in danger of being discovered by the Nazis, encourage Lebrac to face the reality of what's happening around him.

I am so glad I ignored the rating from IMDB and watched this film. It is a heartfelt film set in a small town during world war II and their struggles to stay together under the Germany regime. War of Buttons mainly focuses on a group of kids of one town and a rival group of kids. What this film does so well is it uses this group of kids as a metaphor of the actual war that was taking place. This group of boys, led by Lebrac, goes through multiple battles with the rival town over buttons and territory like a mini war. Many themes (innocences, betrayal, love, hate, bond, friendship, battles, confidence..) are explored from this simple warring between the kids, as they experience the effects of the actual war that's taking place.


Not only is the acting from all the kids, especially Clément Godefroy and Jean Texier, absolutely amazing and realistic; This film stars one of my favourite French actors as well!! Guillaume Canet, who plays the school teacher, has been one of my favourite actors since the film Love Me If You Dare, making this film an absolute TREAT!!

I highly recommend this film. The underlining theme of the world war II mixed with the innocence of the children, well written/funny dialogue and superb acting makes this film a GEM

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

8/10

innocent, melancholy, like a puppet show

Plot: A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them.

The editing and filming technique is very unique in this film. It uses a lot of single continuing shots and surreal use of imagery.

Lost Room (2006)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Despite some flaws, still mindblowingly awesome.

A detective investigates a mysterious motel room, which acts as a portal to alternate universe after he lost something precious in the room.

The Lost Room had me completely engrossed from the first episode, I was pulled in and couldn't turn away until it ended.

Premise of The Lost Room is astounding. Without giving too much away, Lost Room is about a motel room and the many contents that it came with. The room and each item has a different/very unique abilities that is attached to it. The mini-series is built around these items and the people who covet after them. I was completely absorbed by the different qualities given to the items and the way all the items comes together.

Despite the fascinating premise, there were certain flaws that made it hard for me to give this series a perfect 10. The mini-series had way too many characters and sub-plots that didn't get developed enough. The character relationship was lacking in material and emotion. The main character, Joe Miller, felt kind of one-dimensional and we aren't really told why he was so special in comparison to the rest of people whom were once involved with the mysterious hotel room.

Joe Miller's relationship with the different characters, eg with the girl interest Jennifer Bloom, was thin and rushed. Besides being a cop and single father, we aren't given much background about Joe  and yet almost everyone he meets seemed very inclined to help him.

Also the gun, the way he points it at people at such close distance can be so easily swatted away, yet no one seem to be capable of disarming him....(i know, this is just me being picky but nevertheless bothersome).

Overall, I did enjoy this mini series and highly recommend it. The main focus of the film (the special abilities of the motel room/items premise) does overshadow the flaws (the undeveloped characters/relationships).  Very entertaining and will keep you at the end of your seat!

Injustice (2011) Mini-series

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Holy awesomeness batman!! Such a good mini-series!!

Plot: On the surface William Travers is a picture of success. An accomplished criminal barrister happily living with his wife in rural Suffolk. However, Travers is still recovering from a traumatic series of events that have shaken his belief in the legal system

Hats off to the writers of Injustice, who created a complex masterpiece through flashbacks, multiple intersecting story lines from different characters and many twists.

The series starts off a bit slow, but give this mini a chance and sit through the first half of episode one; You'll be thankful that you did. This 6 episodes 300minutes long mini-series is filled with unexpected twists, clever dialoge, interwoven stories, suspense and great acting. I was truly amazed by suspenseful and thrilling adventure that was Injustice.

James Purefoy (from TV series Rome) and Charlie Creed-Miles both gave superb performances in the lead roles, giving an edge to this mini that otherwise wouldn't have been as great.

The rating on IMDB.com must have been the result people who can't tell the difference between great television programming and jersey shore.

Recommended to those who enjoys Law and Order, Sherlock Holmes, Mr.Brooks (movie) or just a great police/court/character-driven film.

City of Men (2007)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Great film, from the producer of "City of God"

Plot: Best buddies Acerola and Laranjinha, about to turn 18, discover things about their missing fathers' pasts which will shatter their solid friendship, in the middle of a war between rival drug gangs from Rio's favelas.



Beautiful story that is companied by astonishing shots of landscapes. City of Men takes you on a journey between two friends (both of whom fatherless) and their search to find out about their fathers. Through their search for the truth, their friendship and values are tested.

A fantastic film, though not as great as City of God, but just as spectacular. I recommend watching both films, as each provide a different element in story, friendship, war, and scenery.

Casino (1995)

8/10 [highly recommend]

iconic cast and a story that takes you into the heart of casinos

Plot: Greed, deception, money, power, and murder occur between two mobster best friends and a trophy wife over a gambling empire.

Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci lead the way in this gangster themed movie about the beginnings of sin city. We are taken through their experience through Ace (De Niro) and Nicky's (Pesci) experience in the world of casinos and mob ties. The story is told from Ace and Nicky's point of view, as they switch in between each other in narrating the film. This narrating is very unique and feels almost like a diary entry, mobster style.

A great film that I would highly recommend!

Saints and Soldiers (2003)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Simple story with a lot of heart

Saints and Soldiers is a war drama that is based loosely around events taking place shortly after the Malmedy massacre during the Battle of the Bulge where several US soldiers and a downed British airman need to reach Allied lines to pass on some vital intelligence.

This film is very character driven and extremely underrated! It doesn't focus only on action packed gore filled scenes, but rather the personal battles each one of the soldiers goes through. Exploring themes of morale, faith, fear, friendship and purpose. Each character experiences some sort of change and personal battle as they fought to survive.

A very powerful film that carries a lot of content. Sit down. Give this film a chance.

Parents (1989)

8/10

A morbidly creepy yet funny film that will make you think twice about eating meat again.

Parents is set in 1950's about a boy who began to question where his parents is getting their dinner meat from. A comedy/mystery/horror/drama, the entire story is told from the perspective of the little boy, Michael.

Acting is superb! Bryan Madorsky is very genuine in his portrayal of the confused/scared Michael who is unsure who to trust. Madorsky's only acting gig and he gave a fantastic performance. I wish I could have seen him in more films. The parents, played by Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt, are very believable and very creepy...I had the chills every time they smiled....

Parents is very deceiving as it uses sit-com music and a warm family appeal giving viewers a false sense of safety and just when your guards are down the film will plunge into the horrific scene. The realization that you are actually watching a scary movie comes so quickly that it is chilling.

The cinematography creates the horror and element of fear. The film focuses on using high and low angles to give the illusion of the petite-ness of Michael and the towering built of the grown ups. The film also uses a lot of spins and turns emphasizing the idea of confusion and loss that Michael feels. In the scene where Michael is tied to a chair, the entire room is turning but the camera remain fixed on the people-- this shot is quite entrancing. The film has many short cuts, blending dream and flashback sequences and reality together further creating a sense of confusion and fear.

The blending of scenes into scenes and scenes into a solid screen of red makes this film really scary. Red has been contrasted and saturated quite a bit in this movie, making it loom over all other colours. The scenes are not overly gore, but is able to gross you out nevertheless.

I highly recommend this film to horror/comedy/mystery lovers. It is not your typical slasher or ghost film. It uses the element of safety (your parents) to create the sense of fear.

The Deer Hunter (1978)

8/10 [recommended]

the horrors of war

The Deer Hunter is An in-depth examination of the way the Vietnam war affects the lives of people in a small industrial town in the USA.

The Deer Hunter takes us through the effects of war with three close knit friends, showing us that there is nothing glamourous or glorifying about war. This film has some scenes of blood and violence but the uneasiness this film creates does not come from any of these elements. The sheer fear and unease comes from a single bullet and a revolver. Without revealing too much, the element of the bullet and revolver help to emphasize the horrors that comes with war.

Absolutely brilliant casting with Robert De Niro, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryll Streep, and Christopher Walken (all in their younger years).


This is not a easy relaxing film but one that is psychologically straining. Well shot and worth checking out.

Point Blank (aka À bout portant) (2010)

8/10  [Highly Recommended]

Terrific!

Point Blank or À bout portant (original title): Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche) is a nurse who saves the wrong guy -- a thief--which sends samuel's life into a state of chaos 

Point Blank is an action packed French thriller/crime/mystery that will have you so engrossed that you don't realize you have been gripping onto the arms of your chair for the entire film.

I started the film having not read any plot summaries or even have the slightest idea what it is about. About 5 minutes into the film, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. The movie starts off fast and edgy with a chase scene, which doesn't allow the audience to sit back in their seats.  You know you are watching a good thriller when you can feel yourself hyperventilating with the characters as they dash across busy streets--I sure felt the adrenaline pumping.

I am very happy with the casting for main character Samuel, played by Gilles Lellouche. Having seen Lellouche in Little White Lies and Tell No One, I was not disappointed in Point Blank. He carried the storyline well and greatly captured a man desperate to save his wife.

If you want action/thriller and good story line to wrap yourself in, then stop making excuses and give this movie a chance!

Amores Perros (2000)

8/10 [recommended]

Continuing my foreign films, my next stop took me to a Mexican film that is intense, gory and scrutinizing

Plot: A horrific car accident connects three stories, each involving characters dealing with loss, regret, and life's harsh realities, all in the name of love.

Amores Perros explores human cruelty through different stories and character interaction. We see rage, disloyalty, pride, lust, gluttony, fear, and jealousy all unfold as characters are put against each other.

Dogs are a huge part in this film, as they are important to each of the 3 main characters. We see dogs being used to gain money, men's best friend, and being support beam for the characters. The dogs become a reflection of their owners'  deepest and hidden emotions.

Not for everyone, but for those who can bare the cruelty and disturbing content, it is such an amazing film.

Winter At Wartime (2008)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Amazing war film with a great spin

Winter in Wartime plot: Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier

The acting, cinematography, writing, and set decoration all came together beautifully in this film.

The cast is unknown to me, but the performance is phenomenal. The story is a bout a 14 year old who witnesses his family and friends being tangled in the war. We watch as he comes to age and matures through different events that occur.

This film reminds me of the film/book Boy in the Striped PJs where the war is seen from the point of view of a boy. Winter in Wartime is far better in comparison. We see the war and its impact on a village from the perspective of a boy whose family is caught in the middle of World War II. We see the boy maturing and seeing the world differently as the movie progresses. His understanding of the war, difference between right and wrong, and the idea of trust in people changes.

What I love about the film is the unexpected twist and its well written characters. I did not expect much from this movie but I thoroughly enjoyed the 103 minutes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who love war films with a great storyline.

Troll Hunter (2011)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Surprisingly good Norwegian film that gives creature features a new twist

Troll Hunter Plot: A group of students investigates a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter.

I was initially scared to watch this film thinking it would be horror film that is filled with cliche horror moments, dramatic music and gory images of monsters. Troll Hunter put an entirely new twist on creature horror films. I didn't, at any time during the film, cover my eyes in fear BUT I found myself holding my breath in anticipation and eyes glued to the screen. The film is shot in similar style as Cloverfield and Blare Witch Project, using a shaky hand held camera and shot in a documentary fashion.

The acting is above par by this unfamiliar cast. Every moment of tension and action was captured perfectly by this cast.

The CGI of the trolls, felt real. The shaky hand held and documentary filming fashion only helped to emphasize the realistic appeal.

Troll Hunter's story line and held true to the myth of trolls. I learned quite a bit about troll myths from this movie. Too many bad movies nowadays (movie saga that must not be named) moved so far away from the myth of the creatures (vampires) that it lost its core element. Troll Hunters brought the myths of trolls to life, such as trolls turning to stone and exploding with sunlight.

This film also dabbles now and then in a bit of humor, which really help make this film refreshing. I fairly enjoyed the final scene of the film, as the absurdity made me laugh.

Troll Hunter is a creature features aimed at documenting a myth of a monster (oxymoron, I know) and NOT just a horror film directed at scaring you. It seems almost educational in a sense.

I highly recommend this film. It is not that scary but it is uniquely thrilling. Trolling just found a whole new meaning.

La môme (2007)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Stunning film all around!

La môme is the life story of singer Édith Piaf.

Our attention are gripped not only by the story but we are carried away by amazing music, brilliant make up and one amazing French actress, Marion Cotillard.


Love Me If You Dare and Inception are the first films I saw starring Marion Cotillard. With those films I was already in love with her performance. After seeing La môme, Cotillard has become one of my favourite actresses. Her performance as Edith Piaf is so stunning that, at times during the film, I forget I am watching a portrayal. Capturing the singers walk, gestures, facial expression, quirky, tone of voice and stance. Cotillard won the Oscar for Best Actress for this film, and damn did she ever deserve it!

The story is told out of sequence in a mix of flashbacks, memories and 'present' day. We follow Piaf's life in a classic fairy tale of the ugly duckling transforming to a beautiful swan. However, what most fairy tale fails to do is tell you that transformation into the beautiful swan, is not the ending of the story. As we can see in Piaf's story, her shining transformation came with a price.

Towards the end of the film, we find out a vital event that occurred early in the singer's life, which seems to finally shine some light on Piaf's later statement mind that was depicted early on in the film. A mix of songs at different stages in Piaf's life is knitted together by a non-linear storyline of her life. Throughout the film, I found myself slowly starting to piece together the story. It is as if each minute that passes, we are receiving a piece of puzzle building up to a mystery image.

The music is beautiful. It didn't matter that I didn't understand what the songs were about because music and singing had a way to sweep you away.

The second Oscar that this film won was for make up. The detail and realism that was involved in making Cotillard to look like Piaf, succeeded. The make up department was able to capture the singer in the late stages of her life looking ill, weak but still with energy to sing. It is not too difficult to make someone look old, BUT it is mighty hard to make someone look not only 1) old 2) resemble a different person 3) realistic. What really was impressive is the fact that the make up team was able to make the singer look like she's wearing make up to cover her ill stricken skin.


I highly recommend La môme! It is a work of art. Pieced together by a talented/dedicated actress, a great make up team, unique storytelling and pure beautiful music.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

8/10 [highly recommended]

astounding storytelling and so gripping that you can't peel yourself away.

Plot: A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior - both of which still haunt him decades later.

A masterpiece of a film intertwinning the present and past together to tell the story of a legal counselor Esposito and his struggle of a past case. This does a absolute amazing job of using flashbacks and character development taking use through the story. This film goes back and forth between the case and Esposito's present life, almost allowing the audience to see his life backwards.

It's a thriller that makes your hair stand at the very end of the film. The entire film is one big chase scene that does not need car crashes, gun shootouts or wild fights to be amazing.

The beginning was very well shot and editted together using blurriness of a scene to convey the idea of a memory. This in contrast to the very sharp image of the present really emphasizes the memory element of this film.

This amazing film is very very graphic with nudity, course language and some gore. I would forewarn audiences with

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Daring, unique and brilliantly epic

Plot: In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis.

Inglourious Basterds doesn't try to find forgiveness, to be historically accurate or to please the audience. It is full throttle on being a dark, fun filled comic fantasy film about an alternative WWII where people fault back. I loved the dark humour and gore that filled this film from bottom up. The film uses all the human emotions and takes a shape of its own.

Tarantino knows exactly how much gore, crudity and length of each scene. Giving you enough to laugh while gagging. He toys with cliches and uses unexpected as well as expected moments to put together a piece of art work.

All the Basterds are a bit mad, which gives the film an edgy appeal. My favourite characters would have to be Donny Donowitz (aka bear Jew played by actor Eli Roth) and Hugo (portrayed by Til Schweiger) as they have real dynamic to the group.

Go watch it! It's a crude, gory, unsympathetic and very daring film that is just plain awesome! Not recommended to the squeamish and the weak hearted as it is gory.

Oh and don't take the film seriously because that's not the point of it.

Attack the Block (2011)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Shaun of the Dead..with Aliens!

Attack the Block is about a teen gang in South London who must defend their block from an alien invasion(imdb)

Attack The Block is exciting, with hilarious one-liners, just the right about of gore and  thrilling. Not really a scary film but one that has scenes that will make you jump.

This movie has an amazing soundtrack that suits the mood of the film perfect. Dark, suspenseful but not so scary that it will give you goosebumps.

There's a couple flaws though, for example how no one ventured out of their apartments when the fireworks went off and screams rang down the corridors. But the small flaws does not effect the overall film as the action, dialgue, acting and CG give audiences enough to focus on.

Well balanced film of thrill/comedy/scary/action....not overdoing any element. Attack the Block worth watching!

Rookie Blue (2009-Present) TV series

8/10 [recommended]


Good drama supported by an amazing cast.

Rookie Blue follows the lives of five rookie cops from 15 Division in Toronto who have just graduated from the academy. They must learn not only to deal with their duties as police officers, but also deal with the problems and expectation of their families and friends. ( plot description from wiki)

Rookie Blue really captures the everyday lives both in uniform and out of uniform of the rookie officers. This series puts focus on the reality that these officers are people with their own concerns and life problems but they all share the same devotion to wanting to serve/protect.

The beauty of this show lies in the nice balance between character development and action. It doesn't have all the suspense and CGI of CSI but it has enough content to keep you glued to the screen. Rookie Blue is refreshing as it feels realistic and not overdone with special effects.

The cast is amazing, with many familiar faces. Missy Peregrym, whom I've been a fan of since Life As We Know (TV Series), is amazing as Andy McNally the tough rookie who rarely lets anyone in. Gregory Smith, from the old TV show Everwood that I watched when I was a kid, plays Dov Epstein is great. Eric Johnson, from season one of Smallville, portrays Detective Luke Callaghan.

Oh, did I mention, it's Canadian!

I really like this show for it's realistic appeal and simple editing technique. It is refreshing. I recommend people to give the show a chance, you may find yourself drawn into it.

X-Men First Class (2011)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Loved it! Solid script with fantastic lead peformances.

In 1962, the United States government enlists the help of Mutants with superhuman abilities to stop a malicious dictator who is determined to start world war III. (imdb)

The story of how X Men came to be. I liked the first X Men film and X Men 2 starring Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart but X3 and Origins that followed were disappointing. This prequel, however, redeemed my hope for the X Men franchise.

X Men First Class succeded beacause it didn't only rely on a star-studded cast and action on attempting to create an amazing film. First Class had many new faces, powerful script, with much emphasis character development (which I believe is what this film quite powerful).

Even though First Class didn't have a A-list cast, the choice of young cast are still amazing. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender carried this film.

First Class not only brought to our attention some of the lesser known mutants (such as Darwin, Havoc, Banshee, Beast and Riptide) but it also put much focus on character development. We are told the story of how many mutant's history. The suffering and pain Magneto went through in his childhood to his friendship with Prof X. Mystique's struggles with her identity. Professor X's childhood and friendship with Mystique and Magneto. I would have liked it more if Prof X's life is given a bit more detail because we know much more of Magneto's past than we do of Prof X.

The action sequences and editing is thrilling but never over taking the script.

Overall, definitely a fantastic film that is worth watching! X Men First Class saved the X Men franchise, which should have stopped after Xmen 1&2.

Mr Brooks (2007)

8/10  [highly recommended]


 A very fast-paced film that keeps you glued t the screen.

Mr. Brooks is about a psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego.

I saw this movie when it came out and stumbled upon it today again. This film is graphic, thrilling and sinister making it an interesting and different type of crime movie.

The cast, script and story together makes this film a must watch.

Kevin Costner and Dane Cook, both play a very different role than their previous performances. Their change in characteristics styles were both spendid. Costner's casual and blend gestures and expressions makes his character even more so fearful. Demi Moore, William Hurt and Danielle Panabaker all gave superb supporting performances to really drive home the suspense

The story line is very sinister and has many sub-plots that further emphasizes the thrilling and mysterious tone of the film. I was reeled in the moment the film rolled.

I highly recommend this film! But  warning..... Mr. Brooks is dark, with a sinister coldness and can be graphic at times making it not suitable for all viewers. But don't let these elements shy you away from this film because with the cast and amazing script  this film a superb creation that is very very very gripping!