Dan in Real Life
Because it touches on the universal themes of loss and love so honestly, it is a film that feels authentic even in its many contrivances.
Tagged: 2007
No Country for Old Men
Thank goodness that experiment in appeasing the commercial suit types is over and the quirky brothers are back to form with No Country for Old Men, a dark and violent exploration of nature’s hunt and the relevance of time.
Bee Movie
Bee Movie is a solid mix of comforting gags, clever language and a meandering plot that doesn’t seem to have enough gas to stretch out into a full feature.
Into the Wild
Into the Wild is a film to meditate on. It’s long, it’s not particularly fast-moving but it struck me in a carnal fashion.
Beowulf
Robert Zemeckis’ take on Beowulf is a marvel visually but eye-popping effects are still no challenge for good old-fashioned human emotion.
Becoming Jane
Even though it looked great and was moderately engaging, something was also always missing.
Gone Baby Gone
The reason why Gone Baby Gone works so well is the attention to which Boston is portrayed. The urban neighbourhood is like another character in an already strong cast, one that has needs and desires just like everyone else.
Stardust
On the surface, Stardust looks like a cheesy little fluff fantasy. In many ways it is. Yet at the same time, it’s also the most fun I’ve had with a film since watching the first Pirates of the Caribbean.
Zodiac
A complex crime drama that limits its action, opting to save it for the times that bring the greatest impact.
Underdog
A boring and uninspiring adaptation that lacks action and suffers from mostly static characters, Peter Dinklage as the nefarious Dr. Simon Barsinister being the notable exception.
