Top Secret (1984)

7.5/10 [recommended]

I enjoyed this film, and some of the VERY VERY unique filming/editing scenes.

Plot: Parody of WWII spy movies in which an American rock and roll singer becomes involved in a Resistance plot to rescue a scientist imprisoned in East Germany.


It was silly, quirky, innovative, idiotic, completely weird and funny. It was Val Kilmers first leading role, and he was fairly loveable as the young Elvis-Grease pop artist.

There are a few scenes, notably the bookstore sequence where the entire three minutes was shot backwards then rewinded, that makes this film stand out as inventive and extremely creative. Kudos to whoever thought of it.


If you haven't seen it, Top Secret is a spoof that is very similar to AirPlane, and is worth venturing into. If you have seen it, let's talk about it!!

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:

The Tunnel (2001)

6.5/10

Plot: Based on a true story a group of East Berliners escaping to the West. Harry Melchior was a champion East German swimmer at odds with the system under which he has already been imprisoned

Fairly decent made for TV movie that revolves around the effects of the building of the Berlin wall. What this film does the well is that it takes many true incidents that occurred and dramatized it to fit the story. For example, the famous photo of the NVA soldier Conrad Schumann defecting to West Berlin, and Peter Fechter's defecting but slightly changed with the character Heiner.

Lead actor is mediocre, and almost felt he had the same facial expression in the entire film.

To End All Wars (2001)

6/10

A look at war through forgiveness

To End All Wars is a true story about four Allied POW's who endure harsh treatment from their Japanese captors during World War II while being forced to build a railroad through the Burmese jungle

This film explores how POW find their freedom through faith, belief and calm. Forgiving their captors and not exacting revenge.

To End All Wars is a very unique war films. Through the duration of the movie one does not feel anger or hatred but rather a feeling of pity towards the guards. Even watching the cruelty of the captors on the prisoners, the forgiveness of the prisoners overshadow any feelings of hate.   

The film didn't introduce the main character Ernest 'Ernie' Gordon as well as I had hoped. It was confusing in the first 20 minutes as to who the story centred around. The focus seems to jump from character to character and not really showing the relationship between people. I also had a hard time not seeing Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, which became distracting.

Some parts of the movie felt overdramatic and overdone (eg the ending where Campbell was beating up the guard). The exaggeration of events was unnecessary and did not help to emphasize the powerful message that underlines the film. It felt

Aside from some overdone scenes, this film is very well done, giving you a very different look at war.

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.

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.

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.

The Truman Show (1998)

7.5/10 [highly recommended]

Ultimate reality show. (was originally a Twilight Zone episode)

An insurance salesman/adjuster discovers his entire life is actually a TV show.

How would you like to be on TV? How would you like to have your own show? How would you like to have a big fan following? How would you like it if you had it all, but just didn't know it. This film is exactly like that.

In 1989 an episode of Twilight Zone with similar plot of a man finding out that his life is a TV show. The inspiration for The Truman Show may have its roots from this episode.

A timeless classic that I absolutely love. You can catch it on TV every once in a while. (If you haven't seen the entire film, you've missed out BIG TIME!)

That's What I am (2011)

6.5/10

Bold , brilliant creating frustrating moments

That's What I Am is about A coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers. (imdb)

This film captures realistic life of school, students, bullying, rumors and growing up. This film, yet set in the 1960's era, captures much of our current reality. Revolving around humanity, diginity, peace and compassion.

The cast does a great job capturing the atmosphere of school life.

That's What I am is very character driven, creating a powerful film filled with happiness, frustration, anger and confusion . The movie creates many frustrating moments that really makes you wonder why no one will stand up for others. How rumors and accusations float around without any solid proof. Not the easiest film to watch. At times all I wanted to do was step in and make things right.

Bitter sweet.

Worth viewing, but be warned, this isn't your typical feel good movie. This film has many underlining morals and themes

Timecrimes (2007)

6.5/10

Exciting but flawed with characters that act outside their common sense.

Timecrimes is about a man who accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences.(imdb)

This movie is very suspenseful with elements of horror wrapped around time travel. I enjoyed the suspense and horror elements quite a bit, but this movie has flaws.

The acting is believable and convincing. The sinister elements are all present, however none of these are able to cover the illogical actions and naive decision of the characters. There many instances within the film where the characters act outside of common sense, creating further issues. This lack of common sense makes this film very awkward to watch.

Timecrimes' only redeeming factor is its horror/suspense element, but that does not hold up very well as the film progresses. Also this film lacks the complexities of time travel, making it very one dimensioned.

This film could have been so much better. If you want to watch a good time travel film, watch Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, 12:01 or FAQ of Time travel. If you want something mindless and suspenseful, you could try this film.

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.

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.

Toy Story (2010)

10/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Very Heartfelt, sweet and fantastic follow up of a great story

Toy Story 3 is about the toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.

The old gang is back together and it brought back a lot of memories. There are elements for both adults and kids in this film. There are tons of humor sprinkled throughout. This film plays with your emotions, tugging at your heart strings as well as poking your funny bone.

Toy Story 3 is my favourite of the entire three and it took my breath away. I felt I could relate to it as I am in University and had to donate some of my old toys. I grew up with this trilogy and felt that the storyline grew as well.

All in all, Toy Story 3 made me smile. I recommend this to everyone! If you haven't seen this ( I frown at you) GO SEE IT! Completely worth it!

The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

8.5/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

This film had many positive reviews, yet for some reason had a low rating of 6.5/10 on IMDB. I almost didn't watch this film as a result of it, but I am glad I doubted the site.

Matrix might have been the reason for the low rating...People used Matrix to rate this film would have missed how enjoyable The 13th


The Matrix and The Thirteenth Floor have similar concepts but both films has it's own extraordinary elements.

The Matrix has many CGI elements, making it an very action filled and exciting film. A star studded cast, non-stop action, CGI effects and a concept makes this film very exciting. The plot line, however, cannot be compared to that of Thirteenth Floor.

The Thirteenth Floor is about a computer generated digital parallel world created by Hannon Fuller and his colleague Douglas Hall. The digital world is set in the 30's with people with real emotions. Hannon knowing someone is after him leaves a letter in the parallel world, but is murdered in the real world the same night, and Douglas is under suspicion. Douglas attempts to find the truth not knowing what awaits him.

The film has very little CGI elements, an unfamiliar cast and little action. However, what makes the Thirteenth Floor exciting is the sophisticated plot line, great character development, and an atmosphere of mystery/suspense from the beginning. The plot of the film is full of twist and kept me hooked all the way through. Craig Bierko, the Ben Affleck look-a-like, is exceptional as Douglas Hall and I wonder how come I don't see him in more films.

Don't get me wrong, both films are great, just don't make one film superior to the other. Watch both and enjoy them separately!