Category Archives: Movies
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
This crime drama is a tense 2 hrs 20 min watch. Three stories rolled into one provide changes of perspective and pace which culminate in a satisfying experience. It is not a masterpiece by any means but The Place Beyond
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
This crime drama is a tense 2 hrs 20 min watch. Three stories rolled into one provide changes of perspective and pace which culminate in a satisfying experience. It is not a masterpiece by any means but The Place Beyond
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Steven Soderbergh’s breakthrough cinematic debut is a series of cleverly-written sequences involving interactions between some or all of four very distinct characters. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a study of how people think they know themselves and how their perspectives can
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Steven Soderbergh’s breakthrough cinematic debut is a series of cleverly-written sequences involving interactions between some or all of four very distinct characters. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a study of how people think they know themselves and how their perspectives can
Amour (2012)
We are big fans of Austrian director Michael Haneke here on Wonderful Cinema. We have already reviewed Funny Games (1997) and Caché (2005). Now we turn our attention to his latest - an exceptional film. Amour a.k.a. Love is a beautifully crafted piece
Amour (2012)
We are big fans of Austrian director Michael Haneke here on Wonderful Cinema. We have already reviewed Funny Games (1997) and Caché (2005). Now we turn our attention to his latest - an exceptional film. Amour a.k.a. Love is a beautifully crafted piece
La Dolce Vita (1960)
One of the wonderful things about having a passion for films is that there is always another gem that you never got around to seeing. Over 50 years after it was made, I have finally sat down and watched Federico Fellini’s
La Dolce Vita (1960)
One of the wonderful things about having a passion for films is that there is always another gem that you never got around to seeing. Over 50 years after it was made, I have finally sat down and watched Federico Fellini’s
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s delightful Frankenweenie is a harmless comedy horror starring one of the most adorable dogs to grace celluloid. The film is packed with excellent characters, voiced by an excellent cast. This stop motion animation is yet another fine Burton
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s delightful Frankenweenie is a harmless comedy horror starring one of the most adorable dogs to grace celluloid. The film is packed with excellent characters, voiced by an excellent cast. This stop motion animation is yet another fine Burton
Shallow Grave (1994)
If you want to see a film that really gets your pulse going, really has you gripping your seat and gritting your teeth, then Shallow Grave is it. This Scottish crime thriller is expertly directed by Danny Boyle in his cinematic
Shallow Grave (1994)
If you want to see a film that really gets your pulse going, really has you gripping your seat and gritting your teeth, then Shallow Grave is it. This Scottish crime thriller is expertly directed by Danny Boyle in his cinematic
Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
The opening scene of Werckmeister Harmonies must be one of the most engaging and wonderful ever made. This apparent setting of the tone and the way subsequent events unfold make us very grateful we knew nothing about this film before
Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
The opening scene of Werckmeister Harmonies must be one of the most engaging and wonderful ever made. This apparent setting of the tone and the way subsequent events unfold make us very grateful we knew nothing about this film before
Blue Velvet (1986)
One of the seminal films of the 80s, Blue Velvet is a weird and mesmerising neo noir. The fascinating storyline is brought to life by a capable cast with memorable performances from Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. Blue Velvet tackles sexual deviation, drug
Blue Velvet (1986)
One of the seminal films of the 80s, Blue Velvet is a weird and mesmerising neo noir. The fascinating storyline is brought to life by a capable cast with memorable performances from Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. Blue Velvet tackles sexual deviation, drug
The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Submerging oneself in Lech Majewski’s The Mill and the Cross is a fascinating and totally original experience. This drama starring Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling and Michael York brings to life the painting “The Procession to Calvary” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Painted in 1564, Bruegel’s masterpiece
The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Submerging oneself in Lech Majewski’s The Mill and the Cross is a fascinating and totally original experience. This drama starring Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling and Michael York brings to life the painting “The Procession to Calvary” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Painted in 1564, Bruegel’s masterpiece
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges is a brilliantly constructed and incredibly fun film. At times it is thrilling, at times dramatic, but overall this is superb comedy. The film stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in fantastic and brilliantly acted roles. Finally
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges is a brilliantly constructed and incredibly fun film. At times it is thrilling, at times dramatic, but overall this is superb comedy. The film stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in fantastic and brilliantly acted roles. Finally
City of God (2002)
A masterpiece from Brazil, 2002′s City of God follows a group of youths growing up in a crime-ridden slum outside Rio de Janeiro. This film is shocking, thrilling, frightening and humorous. The incredible cinematography, gripping story and wonderful characters will keep you
City of God (2002)
A masterpiece from Brazil, 2002′s City of God follows a group of youths growing up in a crime-ridden slum outside Rio de Janeiro. This film is shocking, thrilling, frightening and humorous. The incredible cinematography, gripping story and wonderful characters will keep you
The Big Lebowski (1998)
One of the best Coen brothers’ films to date, and now widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, The Big Lebowski is a one-of-a-kind classic. Boasting the perfect cast, it stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro
The Big Lebowski (1998)
One of the best Coen brothers’ films to date, and now widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, The Big Lebowski is a one-of-a-kind classic. Boasting the perfect cast, it stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro
Drive (2011)
Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, is a slick neo-noir crime thriller and an original experience. On the surface it looks like just a stylish action film but Drive places character development above action. The result is a film where we care about the protagonists and understand
Drive (2011)
Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, is a slick neo-noir crime thriller and an original experience. On the surface it looks like just a stylish action film but Drive places character development above action. The result is a film where we care about the protagonists and understand
Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone is a superior film with a truly phenomenal performance by its young star, Jennifer Lawrence. 21-year-old Lawrence is currently box office dynamite in the smash hit, The Hunger Games. But this is not her first great success. She has already been
Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone is a superior film with a truly phenomenal performance by its young star, Jennifer Lawrence. 21-year-old Lawrence is currently box office dynamite in the smash hit, The Hunger Games. But this is not her first great success. She has already been
I Killed My Mother (2009)
I Killed My Mother received an eight-minute standing ovation when it was shown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it won three awards. It is the assured debut of then 19-year-old Canadian director, Xavier Dolan. Dolan wrote I Killed My Mother when he was
I Killed My Mother (2009)
I Killed My Mother received an eight-minute standing ovation when it was shown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it won three awards. It is the assured debut of then 19-year-old Canadian director, Xavier Dolan. Dolan wrote I Killed My Mother when he was
Barfly (1987)
Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway deliver outstanding performances in this cult classic. Barfly is a semi-autobiographical account by American poet, novelist and short story writer Charles Bukowski of his days hanging around bars in Los Angeles, drinking heavily. Though set within this
Barfly (1987)
Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway deliver outstanding performances in this cult classic. Barfly is a semi-autobiographical account by American poet, novelist and short story writer Charles Bukowski of his days hanging around bars in Los Angeles, drinking heavily. Though set within this
Carnage (2011)
Roman Polanski directs Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet in this excellent black comedy. Polanski excels at chamber pieces. His debut feature, Knife in the Water (1962) as well as Repulsion (1965), Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Tenant (1976) all build their uneasy atmospheres
Carnage (2011)
Roman Polanski directs Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet in this excellent black comedy. Polanski excels at chamber pieces. His debut feature, Knife in the Water (1962) as well as Repulsion (1965), Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Tenant (1976) all build their uneasy atmospheres
Moon (2009)
Complex science fiction is a threatened genre in literature and film. As the decades pass, writers such as Stanisław Lem and film-makers such as Andrey Tarkovskiy become fewer and farther between. In 2009 along came Duncan Jones, a successful commercials director
Moon (2009)
Complex science fiction is a threatened genre in literature and film. As the decades pass, writers such as Stanisław Lem and film-makers such as Andrey Tarkovskiy become fewer and farther between. In 2009 along came Duncan Jones, a successful commercials director
Amores Perros (2000)
Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s uncompromisingly hard-hitting debut feature is an astounding drama thriller. It’s disturbing imagery, brilliantly choreographed and filmed, shocks. With his vivid characters and stories – all based loosely on fact – Iñárritu shows us a dark yet realistic
Amores Perros (2000)
Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s uncompromisingly hard-hitting debut feature is an astounding drama thriller. It’s disturbing imagery, brilliantly choreographed and filmed, shocks. With his vivid characters and stories – all based loosely on fact – Iñárritu shows us a dark yet realistic
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star in this cult classic slapstick comedy which will have you crying with laughter for 107 minutes or turning off after 5; it’s a question of taste. The humour is ridiculous and often crude, the
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star in this cult classic slapstick comedy which will have you crying with laughter for 107 minutes or turning off after 5; it’s a question of taste. The humour is ridiculous and often crude, the
The Artist (2011)
So why does it work, a silent movie eight decades after talkies took the world by storm? Why did it win so many awards? Why on earth would you want to see a film without dialogue unless it was a
The Artist (2011)
So why does it work, a silent movie eight decades after talkies took the world by storm? Why did it win so many awards? Why on earth would you want to see a film without dialogue unless it was a
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
The wonderful Stranger Than Fiction mixes fantasy, drama, sentimentality and humour into an exquisite cocktail of existential thoughts and warm, fuzzy feelings. Zach Helm’s original and award-winning screenplay is a gem. Marc Forster’s direction highly entertaining. The protagonist, played beautifully low-key by Will
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
The wonderful Stranger Than Fiction mixes fantasy, drama, sentimentality and humour into an exquisite cocktail of existential thoughts and warm, fuzzy feelings. Zach Helm’s original and award-winning screenplay is a gem. Marc Forster’s direction highly entertaining. The protagonist, played beautifully low-key by Will
Caché (2005)
Michael Haneke’s gripping, multi-layered French thriller Caché a.k.a. Hidden commands the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. This writer/director does not eagerly feed answers to his audiences. He relies instead on their intelligence, something severely bereft in most films in the same genre. Haneke likes
Caché (2005)
Michael Haneke’s gripping, multi-layered French thriller Caché a.k.a. Hidden commands the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. This writer/director does not eagerly feed answers to his audiences. He relies instead on their intelligence, something severely bereft in most films in the same genre. Haneke likes
City Lights (1931)
In 1949 critic James Agee wrote in Life magazine that the indescribable look on Charlie Chaplin’s face at the end of City Lights was the greatest piece of acting on celluloid ever recorded. The film is one of Chaplin’s masterpieces, mixing comedy
City Lights (1931)
In 1949 critic James Agee wrote in Life magazine that the indescribable look on Charlie Chaplin’s face at the end of City Lights was the greatest piece of acting on celluloid ever recorded. The film is one of Chaplin’s masterpieces, mixing comedy
Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter is an original story woven around the desperation of middle-class, middle-Americans following the economic slowdown of recent years. Michael Shannon’s strong acting skills are brought to bear in this slow-building, gripping drama-thriller directed by Jeff Nichols. One or two
Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter is an original story woven around the desperation of middle-class, middle-Americans following the economic slowdown of recent years. Michael Shannon’s strong acting skills are brought to bear in this slow-building, gripping drama-thriller directed by Jeff Nichols. One or two
The Tracey Fragments (2007)
Starring the wonderful Ellen Page, The Tracey Fragments is a compelling and occasionally heart-wrenching Canadian drama presented in a technically interesting fashion. Directed by Bruce McDonald, with a screenplay written by Maureen Medved based on her stream-of-consciousness novel, the film sporadically uses
The Tracey Fragments (2007)
Starring the wonderful Ellen Page, The Tracey Fragments is a compelling and occasionally heart-wrenching Canadian drama presented in a technically interesting fashion. Directed by Bruce McDonald, with a screenplay written by Maureen Medved based on her stream-of-consciousness novel, the film sporadically uses
Let the Right One In (2008)
Tomas Alfredson’s amazing Swedish film cannot be pigeonholed into a single genre. It is not horror nor fantasy, although the film contains elements of both. Most of all, this is a dramatic and unconventional love story between two children. But
Let the Right One In (2008)
Tomas Alfredson’s amazing Swedish film cannot be pigeonholed into a single genre. It is not horror nor fantasy, although the film contains elements of both. Most of all, this is a dramatic and unconventional love story between two children. But
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece is hypnotic, eerie and truly frightening. This visually astounding film, which made abundant use of the then revolutionary Steadicam, stars a top-of-his-game Jack Nicholson in his most famous role. The Shining is full of ambiguities which on
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece is hypnotic, eerie and truly frightening. This visually astounding film, which made abundant use of the then revolutionary Steadicam, stars a top-of-his-game Jack Nicholson in his most famous role. The Shining is full of ambiguities which on
Anonymous (2011)
Anonymous is a pseudo-historical political thriller which promotes a theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. However eagerly most of us will reject this proposal, it is no reason to avoid this marvelous film. A clever
Anonymous (2011)
Anonymous is a pseudo-historical political thriller which promotes a theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. However eagerly most of us will reject this proposal, it is no reason to avoid this marvelous film. A clever
Precious (2009)
This remarkable film is filled with extraordinary performances which power a sometimes light, sometimes dark account of a teenager who dreams of stardom but whose reality is blighted by material and spiritual poverty. Teenager Precious is played impressively by newcomer Gabourey
Precious (2009)
This remarkable film is filled with extraordinary performances which power a sometimes light, sometimes dark account of a teenager who dreams of stardom but whose reality is blighted by material and spiritual poverty. Teenager Precious is played impressively by newcomer Gabourey
Run Lola Run (1998)
This is a hugely entertaining, humorous and exhaustingly-paced German thriller from writer/director Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente – of The Bourne film series fame. The innovative visual style using several different filming techniques, the palpable sense of urgency, the pulsating techno score
Run Lola Run (1998)
This is a hugely entertaining, humorous and exhaustingly-paced German thriller from writer/director Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente – of The Bourne film series fame. The innovative visual style using several different filming techniques, the palpable sense of urgency, the pulsating techno score
The Thing (1982)
The Thing had the unfortunate luck of being released at the same time as E.T. and Blade Runner. Despite bombing at the box office, this sci-fi horror has become the true definition of a cult classic. Written by Bill Lancaster, the
The Thing (1982)
The Thing had the unfortunate luck of being released at the same time as E.T. and Blade Runner. Despite bombing at the box office, this sci-fi horror has become the true definition of a cult classic. Written by Bill Lancaster, the
The Intouchables (2011)
The Intouchables has been a massive hit, taking over $336 million at the box office in its first 6 months. It is a brilliantly funny and tender tale brought to the screen magnificently by its two main actors, Omar Sy and François Cluzet,
The Intouchables (2011)
The Intouchables has been a massive hit, taking over $336 million at the box office in its first 6 months. It is a brilliantly funny and tender tale brought to the screen magnificently by its two main actors, Omar Sy and François Cluzet,
Brick (2005)
Rian Johnson’s excellent feature debut is a neo-noir set in an American high school. This intriguing thriller stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a student-turned-dogged investigator. Gordon-Levitt’s great performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast. Brick is a unique film, created by a filmmaker
Brick (2005)
Rian Johnson’s excellent feature debut is a neo-noir set in an American high school. This intriguing thriller stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a student-turned-dogged investigator. Gordon-Levitt’s great performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast. Brick is a unique film, created by a filmmaker
The Lives of Others (2006)
Winner of the 79th Best Foreign Film Oscar, The Lives of Others is an outstanding psychological and political thriller set in East Berlin in 1984. The whole cast is excellent. Newcomers to German film will be floored by Ulrich Mühe (who
The Lives of Others (2006)
Winner of the 79th Best Foreign Film Oscar, The Lives of Others is an outstanding psychological and political thriller set in East Berlin in 1984. The whole cast is excellent. Newcomers to German film will be floored by Ulrich Mühe (who
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
The on-screen chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford is probably unmatched. With Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973), these actors with director George Roy Hill made two of the greatest, most entertaining films. The
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
The on-screen chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford is probably unmatched. With Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973), these actors with director George Roy Hill made two of the greatest, most entertaining films. The
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Sean Durkin’s disquieting debut feature film is a slow-paced psychological thriller which works exceedingly well due to the superb performance of its star, Elizabeth Olsen. Olsen works magic to create a totally believable character that sucks us into the dark story. A
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Sean Durkin’s disquieting debut feature film is a slow-paced psychological thriller which works exceedingly well due to the superb performance of its star, Elizabeth Olsen. Olsen works magic to create a totally believable character that sucks us into the dark story. A
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
J Blakeson’s superbly made crime thriller is pure tension from beginning to end. His direction and script is top-notch, as is the acting by Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is not a film to be
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
J Blakeson’s superbly made crime thriller is pure tension from beginning to end. His direction and script is top-notch, as is the acting by Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is not a film to be
Headhunters (2011)
Morten Tyldum’s highly entertaining Norwegian action thriller does have a couple of scenes that you will need to take with a pinch of salt. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for a treat. With a cool script based on Jo Nesbø’s
Headhunters (2011)
Morten Tyldum’s highly entertaining Norwegian action thriller does have a couple of scenes that you will need to take with a pinch of salt. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for a treat. With a cool script based on Jo Nesbø’s
The Graduate (1967)
One of the most famous seduction stories in cinematic history, Mike Nichols’ The Graduate is a funny, gripping, romantic film with some sober statements about the arduous maturation process as well as the rueful ennui of middle age. This film is
The Graduate (1967)
One of the most famous seduction stories in cinematic history, Mike Nichols’ The Graduate is a funny, gripping, romantic film with some sober statements about the arduous maturation process as well as the rueful ennui of middle age. This film is
