True Blood (2013) Season 6, Episode 2 Review

True Blood (2013), Episode 6.02
"The Sun", June 23rd, 2013

***SPOILERS***

Last episode left off with Sookie telling Eric she wants to be the girl she used to be, but Sookie's desire for normalcy doesn't seem to ever last long. Jason thinks he's hitched a ride with Warlow but it turns out to be his fairy grandfather Niall (Rutger Hauer). Only Rutger Hauer can pull off the line
"I'm not Warlow, I'm your fucking fairy grandfather". Jason's character is great in this episode with his honesty and stupidity. For example the line where he says "Well if you know me so well, you know I hate tests" which was hilarious. We catch a glimpse of Warlow coming through a portal this episode as well. It's revealed that Tara was shot by the police with a new gun that shoots silver bullets that emits UV light, and so finally congratulations True Blood you've joined Blade in this style of weaponry so finally the humans might have some advantage against the "fangers". 

Eric is great in this episode and I particularly love how he can be violently angry like throwing the glass at Pam and his sister, but then speak calmly to them at the same time. Last episode ended on the cliffhanger of blood covered naked women merging into Bill and this episode Bill is mostly passed out in a waking dream. The blood women are kind of ridiculous walking with a jaunt in the step. Jessica tries to look after Bill, wondering if he really is a god and she tries to bring food to him. It appears Bill can unconsciously feed, but willpower alone pulling the blood prostitute towards him in this bizarre spine breaking dance and draining her blood into his mouth by levitation which all looked ridiculous.  

With a strange return to "reality" Sookie is late for work, but with a parallel to the very first season she notices someone injured on her way to work. It's hilarious to watch her dismiss it in her attempt at getting her life back, but like always she gives in quickly. This time it's not a vampire, but a Halfling like her who was attacked by a vampire. And it looks like the Halfling Ben might be the new romantic interest this season and perhaps portray a continuous theme from the show that characters tend to stick to their "own kind". 

In contrast Sam is accosted by a Supernatural Beings activist compelling him to "come out", but he refuses but unfortunately later he is confronted by Alcide and his pack who attack him and Lafayette kidnapping Emma all the while Nicole and her activist friends watching and taking photos in the bushes. 

Another hilarious part of the episode is where Eric pretends to be from the department of wildlife and fisheries attending an appointment with the Governor and attempts to glamour him. It's great to watch Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) change he entire posture and voice to this meek small man which is hilarious compared to his usual character that is sleazy with self assurance. Unfortunately the government have also invented glamour proof contact lenses (ridiculous as it sounds), but nevertheless Eric escapes by flying into the sky. 

Back at Sookie's house Jason shows Niall (Rutger Hauer) the portal and funnily attempts to follow him and then later introduces him to Sookie. Niall explains to Sookie their Royal fairy blood and teaches her how to make a "supernova" like weapon that she could use to defeat Warlow, although it will use all her power and leave her "normal". Despite Sookie's repeated desire to get rid of her powers at different times in the show, she looks concerned, perhaps because of her meeting with Ben. To some extent Sookie is a strong female character who challenges gender norms, as she is frequently rescuing men, although she gets pushed back in the mother/ caregiver or lover role most of the time. 

Not much happens between Pam and Tara this episode and the lesbian storyline tease from the end of Season 5 seems to have dissipated somewhat, although it might reappear later on. Hopefully it wasn't just a gimmick and they might explore it more, otherwise there's always fanfiction to check out. As for additional characters and some lighter moments, Andy is still hilariously fumbling trying to raise his fast growing fairy daughters. Eric manages to glamour his way back into the Govenor's house through the governor's daughter. Bill looks like along with his additional powers of levitation, and uber-immortality (surviving staking) he also can see the future. The woman speaking to him and his visions also seem to point Bill's character in the direction that he's being groomed to lead a vampire revolution, that's my prediction anyway. The episode ends on a cliffhanger showing Bill's vision of everyone being burned. I'm sure the characters will manage to find a ridiculous way out of it as usual. 

Overall I liked this episode a lot more than the first episode of the season as it was more funny. It was great to see some new characters introduced and get some development like Niall and Ben. It was also great to see Sookie return a bit to her old self from season one and other characters like Jason, Andy and Eric were hilarious this episode.

True Blood (2013) Season 6, Episode 1 Review

True Blood (2013), Episode 6.01
"Who Are you, really?", June 16th, 2013

***SPOILERS***

The opening of Season 6 begins exactly where it left off with the cliff hanger from Season 5. Chaos ensues in escaping the vampire headquarters and everyone is sticky with blood as per usual. Everyone seems divided, and Jason once again resents Sookie's allegiance to vampires. Bill is alive, but everyone fears he is Lilith incarnate and fears him, but he powerfully summons Jessica. Submitting to the summons the group find what appears to be Bill, but Sookie fearfully stakes him through the heart, but he survives. Sookie, Eric and his sister leave Jessica behind with Bill. Meanwhile Jason hitches a lift with Rutger Hauer (the pun should not be lost on those who remember Rutger Hauer from The Hitcher, 1986) what looks like it could be Waldo. Also Sam returns to town with Luna's daughter to find Lafayette in the bar. The world is in chaos with true blood in short supply and Pam and Tara are at each other's throats when the bar gets raided by police. Since a spectacular cliffhanger at the end of last season this episode seems to slow down after a jump start. Overall not a strong start to the season, but instead it is building up things to develop through the season. 

#83 - True Adolescents (2009) Review

True Adolescents (2012), Craig Johnson
3.5/5

This is a funny and poignant first feature by director Craig Johnson, starring Mark Duplass (Humpday, Safety not guaranteed) as Sam who is 34 and still trying to get a record deal for his rock band and just got dumped by his girlfriend. It is a good story and is well performed and it works well as a late-coming-of-age story. While simplistic it does have emotional resonance and the performances and writing bring to life the comparison and journeys of "adolescent" Sam (Duplass) and his teenage cousin Oliver (Bret Loeher) and Oliver's best friend Jake (Carr Thompson) on a camping trip. Overall a good film, that is retrained with a good cast (including Melissa Leo, Treme, Frozen River) performances and doesn't overstate any "messages" and leaves elements of ambiguity sufficient enough to make this an above average coming of age film.

#82 - The Sessions (2012) Review

The Sessions (2012), Ben Lewin
3.5/5

Based on the life of poet Mark O'Brien and an article he wrote about his experiences as a disabled person with a sex surrogate this is an interesting film, with great performances and is subtly and beautifully handled. This film covers an important area that is still taboo about the importance of sex and the sex lives of the disabled. Performances are good, particularly John Hawkes (Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene) as Mark O'Brien and William H. Macy (Magnolia) as his priest and friend. Overall this is a quiet, sweet and moving film, about sex and love, but unfortunately it doesn't delve too deeply into the characters or their psychology.

Links:
"On Seeing a Sex Surrogate", Mark O'Brien
http://thesunmagazine.org/issues/174/on_seeing_a_sex_surrogate
"Scarlet Road: A Sex Worker's Journey" is an Australian documentary about sex work with the disabled, focusing on sex worker and advocate Rachel Wotton.
http://www.sbs.com.au/documentary/program/845/

#81 - The Chumscrubber (2005) Review

The Chumscrubber (2005), Arie Posin
3.5/5

This is a strange, powerful and intriguing film looking at suburban families with an almost high sheen clarity. Focusing on the children absent parenting, this film has an artificial feel to it with an almost Pleasantville (1998) feel with the perfectly manicured gardens, and the replica houses and streets. Amongst all this the children suffer from absent parents, lack of attention, and no one listens to them. Through the main character Dean (Jamie Bell) we distinctly feel the lack of voice given to children and youth by adults and particularly parents. Every problem is faced with dismissal or contempt. There are some powerful and disturbing issues in this film, but it feels bewildering because everything feels so fake and artificial because of the characters lack of interest and concern, everything is a facade. On that level the film builds tension as things begin to crumble, particularly for Dean who has been labelled as "crazy"  and is overmedicated by his self-help book author father (played by William Fichtner, The Dark Knight) and Dean appears to begin to manifest actual problems after his best friends death. Dean is the only voice of reason and authenticity in the film and he is repeatedly dismissed and ignored furiously throughout the film. The strengths The Chumscrubber are the casting and performances, particularly Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) as Dean and Glenn Close (The Shield) as Carrie Johnson. The cinematography isn't that interesting, but the set design is exemplary. However I disliked the inclusion of the animated character of "The Chumscrubber" which wasn't as effective as it could have been in communicating it's messages about adolescent heros etc. The Chumscrubber has elements similar to films like American Beauty (1999), Pleasantville (1998), and The Stepford Wives (2004). Overall an interesting film with some important issues and good performances.

#80 - Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS (1975) Review

Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS (1975), Don Edmonds
3/5

This classic exploitation film is all things ridiculous and gratuitous. It is definitely not for the overly sensitive as it is highly sexist, racist, violent and pornographic. Despite all that and in fact because of it, this film is brilliant. While that might sound strange this film is hilarious because of those things. The overacting, the gratuitous nudity and violence make a mockery of itself. The film doesn't take itself seriously and it is enjoyable to watch the bad acting, and the hilarious absurdity of the "plot". Born in the era of the Grindhouse cinema which would predominantly show exploitation films Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS is based upon the the Nazi doctors experiments in concentration camps during World War 2. Ilsa is the doctor and leader of a group of women who torture and experiment upon their prisoners. While the film is definitely sexist depicting numerous counts of humiliation and torture of women and by women, it also depicts Ilsa as this strong and ruthless woman. Despite the negative depictions of women, the film is also misogynistic as well, particularly with Ilsa's lack of sexual satisfaction and punishment of her prisoner lovers through castration. Although the film is poorly acted, over the top and ridiculous a lot of the "experiments" shown are based upon actual experiments conducted by Nazi doctors on Jewish and other prisoners.  There is a sort of horror element to this film and an inability to look away, with the strange juxtaposition of melodramatic ridiculous portrayal of horrific torture which is at the same time laughable. As an exploitation film I think it would sort of beg the question if one were to chastise the film for it's exploitation and abuse of serious issues like WW2, Nazis and the torture of women and men. Instead I choose to view this film as entertainment, albeit bad, cheap entertainment it is still enjoyable. This film harkens back to the time before there was home movie viewing before the advent of VHS and Beta-tapes, DVD, BluRay or the internet where you could view pornography or explicit films. In a way I see this film as a cultural snapshot, and a prime example of exploitation film where people would go to the Grindhouse to watch cheap B grade films that were gross, violent, sexual and all things explicit that weren't shown in mainstream cinemas. Although the film may be simplified as "immoral" it in fact follows much of the traditional mainstream moral system built into Hollywood cinema since the studio system where the "evil" characters are punished in the film and good tends to win out in the end. Overall this is a sadistic and gratuitous delight to watch.

#79 - Swamp Thing (1982) Review

Swamp Thing (1982), Wes Craven
2/5

From the director of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) comes this comic book adaptation which is neither cheesily fun, nor an effective science fiction drama. Performances are over the top, yet not overly funny despite the cast including competent 80s actor Adrienne Barbeau (Escape from New York, The Fog). The film kind of drags on especially the action sequences which basically involve a lot of running through the swamp and Alice Cable's (Adrienne Barbeau) character isn't particularly intelligent in her attempts to escape. Overall this film is bad, but not bad enough to be a "good-bad" 80s scifi film and is a basic "Beauty and the beast" style narrative where the monster saves the girl.

The Newsroom (2012-) Season 1 Review

The Newsroom (2012) Season 1, Tv Show, Created and written by Aaron Sorkin
3/5

This above average drama focuses on the media particularly tv journalism and the recent changes from reporting the news to the bipartisan and entertainment focused broadcasting in the US. The performances are good with a strong ensemble cast including Jeff Daniels (Looper), Emily Mortimer (Hugo), Alison Pill (In Treatment), Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Skins), and Sam Waterston (Law and Order). Despite the good quality production value it is the writing and characters that fall short. Show runner and creator Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), who also writes the show shows his shortcomings. Despite attempts to add personal backstory and human elements to the characters to compliment the news stories depicted in the series, the characters are mostly flat and almost soap opera fodder. The characters are simplified and unrealistic. Particularly Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) who is either demonised as this depressive, selfish asshole who then transforms into this overly idealistic anchor which is highly unrealistic. Also, Aaron Sorkin resorts to poor writing techniques that he used in his previous show The West Wing using "flashback" style episodes which switch back and forth between timelines using time stamp screens to distinguish between them and this device became tired through overuse during the run of The West Wing. These are cheap devices are used to bulk up not particularly well written narratives rather than complimenting it for effect. Also it is difficult when the news shown has occurred already in the past, so there aren't any surprises really and in a way the show attempts to re-write history at least it attempts to re-report the news in a more "factual" and idealistic manner. Overall it is a good show, but the show fails to dig deeper into the complexity of the issues around the media, journalism and politics that it portrays and neither does it examine the characters sufficiently or convincingly. However, the show has some interesting exploration of the media, politics and corruption as well as good cast and performances.

Vikings (2013-) Series 1 Review

Vikings Series 1 (2013-), Tv Show, Created and Written by Michael Hirst
4/5

This historical drama based on the life of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok is great. The show has excellent character drama with a great cast, and a high production value and the show was predominantly filmed on location in Ireland displaying gorgeous vistas. Performances are good as are the action and fight sequences. Overall the story is intriguing, the production value including sets, costuming, performances are all excellent Vikings is well worth a watch.

#78 - Carnage (2011) Review

Carnage (2011), Roman Polanski
3.5/5

Adapted from a play Roman Polanski (Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown) does an excellent job of bringing this relationship and moral drama to life. The acting is great by the small ensemble cast. While at times it feels a little forced trying to keep these characters together, there are some powerful moments and it is great to watch all the semblances of social propriety and niceties devolve over time. Some excellent moral questions are raised by the film and interesting how the instigating circumstance begins to unravel the relationships of these two couples with much about the gender and relationships in the film applicable to society in general. Overall a really interesting film and the subtle cinematography works well, it is very restrained character focused drama, however I don't really think it's a comedy.

#77 - 127 Hours (2010) Review

127 Hours (2010), Danny Boyle
3/5

While this is an amazing story of human strength and survival I don't think director Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) did justice with bringing it to life. The beginning credit sequence is quite irritating, both the choice of music and the use of split screen. The performances are good, but the film suffers through having basically a solo performance by James Franco. Although the use of flashes of imagery are used well, the film is slow and drags at times. Despite this at it is also intense, moving, incredibly harsh and realistic. The narrative developed is great and James Franco excellently portrays the personal psychological journey and thankfully the film doesn't revert to cheap tactics like voice over. The story is grim and moments are graphic and intense, but no where near as much as I feel like as was hyped up around the film on release. Some stunning imagery, but it is the true story and performances that are great. The cinematography style isn't that interesting with lots of use of split screens and digital video diary style. Overall better than expected this is a personal story of strength and endurance not only physically, but mentally and nicely employs this as a coming of age maturing character drama. However, I think I would have preferred a documentary style rather than film dramatisation, more like Touching the Void which I feel was far superior in generating impact.

#76 - Buck (2011) Review

Buck (2011), Cindy Meehl
3.5/5

This is a good documentary intertwining the story of Buck's training of horses and his personal story of growing up. The horse work is amazing to watch and beautiful with the gentle handling. The film has some great interviews. However, the film lacks a bit of punch though, and at times overly emphasises the impact of Buck's upbringing I think. Some parts are incredibly moving and overall the film is great, with interesting characters. A beautiful watch for anyone interested in animals, training and psychology. Overall it is a good informative documentary about horse training, but also a moving and great human interest story.

#75 - Bernie (2011) Review

Bernie (2011), Richard Linklater
3.5/5

From director Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset) comes this strange and intriguing film that is part dramatisation and part documentary interviews. Jack Black actually gives a great performance as Bernie differing from his usual type cast bumbling style. It's an intriguing moral case and excellently portrays how "evil" things can be done by good people. Brings up some interesting conflicts about the notions of justice, evil and goodness. A bit slow at times, and the characters are somewhat annoying, it is overall a good film.

#74 - Killing them softly (2012) Review

Killing them Softly, (2012), Andrew Dominick
4/5

This is a good crime drama with a stellar cast that almost feels like a Sopranos reunion of sorts including James Gandolfini (Tony from Sopranos), Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sacks from Sopranos) as well as Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy (Monsters) and Richard Jenkins (Cabin in the woods, Six Feet Under) are all excellent. The exception is Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn (Animal Kingdom) who is type cast and gives an average performance. The cinematography by Greig Fraser is beautiful with long shots, interesting use of focus and slow motion. However the story is pretty straight forward and simple from the outset and perhaps the fault lies with the book that it was based, but the narrative lacks something. The film is slow paced focusing on character drama with drawn out conversations rather than the action. The opening sequence is kind of jarring and the use of political speeches in the background create a kind of soundtrack/ narrator like backdrop to the action. However the parallels to the political elements lack impact. Overall a beautifully performed and photographed crime drama, well worth a watch.

#73 - Magnolia (1999) Review

Magnolia (1999), Paul Thomas Anderson
4/5

This is a strangely elegant and melancholy character drama. While the film spans 3hrs the characters while perhaps not likeable are nonetheless compelling. The story focuses on intersecting story lines each focusing on character's family lives and personal crises. The film doesn't really follow a traditional straightforward narrative, but it is an excellent character examination with a great cast. Phillip Seymor-Hoffman is great as usual despite a relatively small role, and even Tom Cruise is good, perhaps his strength lies in playing misogynistic hyperactive assholes. Julianne Moore (Children of Men), John C. Reilly (We Need to talk about Kevin), Phillip Baker Hall (The Truman Show) and Melora Walters (The Butterfly Effect) are all great and the film's strength is really in it's talented ensemble cast. The soundtrack is amazing, not just the music itself, but the excellent editing, integration and use of the music as part of the narrative which rivals other great soundtracks like American Beauty. The film explores some intense themes particularly focusing on parental influence and relationships. Overall an intense, emotional and beautifully photographed and performed film.

#72 - Your Sister's Sister (2011)

Your Sister's Sister (2011), Lynn Shelton
3/5

This is a small slow film that isn't that great. The characters are somewhat annoying and unlikeable at times. It takes a long time to get going and the drama or rather "melodrama" is obvious, predictable and ridiculous. Although the film is beautifully shot, the narrative is poor and while some aspects are realistic others are wildly silly and over the top. Overall some funny moments and performances are good, but a pretty average film.

#71 - Cloud Atlas (2012) Review

Cloud Atlas (2012), Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski & Lana Wachowski
3.5/5

This is a strange film covering many characters over a number of different timelines and plots that thematically intersect. The first section of the film is somewhat confusing as it jumps quickly between timelines and is a bit confusing. Overall the performances are generally good. There are many spiritual and religious aspects in this film which is at times heavy handed overloading the film with melodramatic significance. As a sort of collection of vignette's some stories and characters are more interesting than others. Some have futuristic and science fiction elements with some similarities to other films such as BladeRunner. There are common threads and the major actors play different characters in the different timelines which is a bit obnoxious at first, but you kind of get used to it. Overall a strange and long (at around 2 1/2hrs), yet intriguing film with some very interesting ideas. It is the personal triumphs and small moments that I found most endearing about this film rather than the more epic and grander illusions to human connectedness.

#70 - Side Effects (2013) Review

Side Effects (2013), Steven Soderbergh
3.5/5

This is a surprisingly excellent psychological thriller. The performances are excellent by Rooney Mara who plays Emily and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Dr. Siebert. Jude Law and Channing Tatum are average at best and this film is really dominated by the female characters. Exploring some interesting themes it is beautifully shot and not overly dramatised. The writing is great and the twists a little obvious, but still intriguing to capture your interest. The first 2 acts are great and it comes a bit apart by the third. Overall a beautifully shot excellent psychological thriller.

***SPOILERS***

During the first act I was captivated by the films intense exploration of the culture of depression in America. Emily's character was sympathetic and captivating to watch which of course was the film's intention to draw you in much like Dr. Banks experience. The film excellently portrayed the culture of depression and how it permeated every aspect of their lives and how willing everyone was to reach for a pill for their problems including the bombardment of messages in the media. The exception to this was Emily's husband Martin (Channing Tatum) who objected but he ended up killed and everyone was more than willing to turn a blind eye and blame drugs or illness and leave it alone. It beautifully shows the failings of a psychopharmaceutical approach to mental health and the problems of over simplification of complex life and emotional problems.

The character of Dr. Jonathan Banks played by Jude Law effectively conveys his journey and he transforms from trusted and empathetic to seeming more and more paranoid and erratic. This is tempered beautifully by other information provided by the film leaving it ambiguous for much of the film. The film is restrained and limited information keeps the audience guessing although it comes to the obvious conclusion. 

Unfortunately all the good work in the first act that dealt beautifully with the problems of the field of psychology are negated in the third act. Emily's character is transformed from the passive female victim into the archetype of the female seductress murderess woman-as-monster. This is added with the slightly distasteful (distasteful as in cheap use of lesbian relationship as a plot device) use of the lesbian relationship between Emily and Dr. Siebert which is less than surprising. Once again generating a sense of fear of women as Other and Monster especially if then don't desire or need men. Emily even states in the film that little girls start learning to pretend around the same time little boys start lying. This unfortunately devolves the films female characters into stereotypes. Dr. Siebert (Zeta-Jones) is also a bad depiction of women, although her role could have been a man without much difference. She falls to temptation of the young female patient and is the scorned party and tries to threaten Dr. Banks. It also portrays women as inherently manipulative and taught by society and culture to be sexual and employ lies and fabrication in order to get what they want.

As well as the negative portrayal of female characters as manipulative monsters it also depicts the field of psychology negatively. Unfortunately the earlier work on issues of depression and over medication are reduced down to a plot device. And while Dr. Banks fluctuates from paternal father protector of Emily into a paranoid mess during the second act he becomes Dr. Frankenstein representing science as monster. He uses his medical knowledge and techniques to manipulate both Dr. Siebert and most of all Emily. Also of note is the problematic use of his saline test on Emily which "proves" nothing other than the power of suggestion that is the placebo effect. This itself proved nothing, if this was a real case, many people when told they are imbibing alcohol or drugs and given a placebo act and behave genuinely as if affected by the substance and doesn't support a case of malingering. 

This is largely problematic as Dr. Banks becomes both hero and monster. He is depicted as being highly unethical in his treatment of Emily and also there was a case for negligence as Dr. Banks failed to even research thoroughly the potential side effects of a drug treatment even once Emily and Martin came in complaining about the side effects. Unfortunately this is all too realistic as the majority opinion in psychiatry is the placid acceptance of side effects as better than the severity of illness, regardless of lack of improvements. Also the film accurately depicts the undue influence on both patients and Doctors by pharmaceutical companies. 

The end of the film is most disturbing, the male "hero" Jonathan (Law) triumphs, and returns to his family wrapping up the narrative nicely by resuming the archetype of male hero and also the trope of man woman and child together. Both female characters are punished for their transgressions. Dr. Siebert is punished for her foolish love and being manipulated by Emily her lover, playing the fool and becomes the hysterical woman as she tries to escape the police. Emily's punishment is worse as she is shown at the end of the film in the psychiatric institution indefinitely and perhaps shows for the first time in the film as genuinely depressed which is oft described in the film as hopelessness is when you have no concept of a future. However while this might seem an apt punishment for the villain of the film, I still argue that Emily is the victim of the system. Unable to be retried and convicted for her husband's murder she is instead sentenced to a worse fate, similar to that of McMurphy in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey, where she is punished by forced hospitalisation and medication and potentially "shock treatments" ie. ECT (electro-convulsive therapy). 

The ending is problematic as it depicts the mental health system as a means of punishment and while this might seem archaic it actually rings true. Emily's fate seems worse as there is no cure for insanity and no fixed term of imprisonment. On reflection this film poses a dark and threatening tone on the field of mental health. Once again painting the treatment of mental illness as pill popping magic bullet solution, or punishment. Overall this film explores some dark and disturbing themes regarding the criminal and medical (mental health) fields in society. In addition is also implicates the problematic notions of depression as "faking" and oversimplifies it as over generalised and less severe with over diagnosis. It also depicts the unfortunate approach of psychiatry as mere labelling and control over patients, itself a mere fabrication. In the end this is a thought provoking and interesting film. 

#69 - Straw Dogs (2011) Review

Straw Dogs (2011), Rod Lurie
3/5

While not as disappointing as expected this remake of the 1971 film is still inferior. The acting is pretty average and Kate Bosworth is especially disappointing. Mostly a straight remake it does make some changes. Although despite attempts to add different racial elements and make the female lead character stronger, these attempts fail and ultimately complicate rather than strengthen the narrative. Unfortunately the interesting ambiguities and performances that were great in the original film version, this version lacks the most interesting elements. Overall still good, but lacks the depth of character and intensity of the original, the simplification makes it more obvious and less violent and explicit because it becomes glorified and melodramatic rather than realistic.

#68 - Straw Dogs (1971) Review

Straw Dogs (1971), Sam Peckinpah
4/5

This brilliant psychological thriller is more of a horror film, where all the monsters are human. Performances are excellent by all, but Dustin Hoffman gives one of his best performances alongside Susan George who is also brilliant. The film has great slow pacing, building tension between the characters. The cinematography excellently compliments the tone and mood of the plot. The restrained limited use of music and score make the film eerily quiet and thus emphasise and intensify when music is featured. Most of all the film leaves much open ended especially the motivations of the characters which are ultimately morally ambiguous. The subjectmatter, characters, cinematography all are intense and the film hasn't really dated at all. The unrated 2002 edition gives a more complete and intense story rather than the earlier censored versions. Overall a thought provoking, morally intense, realistically and psychologically violent film.

#67 - The Amityville Horror (2005) Review

The Amityville Horror (2005), Andrew Douglas
2/5

Based on a true story this film is far from horrifying and it's devalued by the supernatural elements. The more gritty realistic aspects are far more terrifying. Not overly violent and not scary. Had potential and definitely an interesting story, but ultimately underwhelming.

#66 - Blazing Saddles (1974) Review

Blazing Saddles (1974), Mel Brooks
2/5

This film is hilarious, ridiculous, nonsensical and partly metafictional.

#65 - My Suicide (2011) Review

My Suicide (Archie's Final Project) (2011), David Lee Miller
3/5

This is a strange film. Most of it feels like a youtube mash up montage and the other part feels like a cheesy teen movie. The subject matter is intense and some of the issues and comments the film explores ring true while at other times it is overwrought, predictable and cliché. This film is as much a film about teen suicide as it is about the portrayal of suicide in media and film. The film covers many issues and mostly deals with them well. The acting especially Gabriel Sunday, the lead is great and really intense. The supporting cast is less effective. Overall a thought provoking yet unfortunately in the end frustrating film.

#64 - Batman Returns (1992) Review

Batman Returns (1992), Tim Burton
1.5/5

This film is ridiculous and over the top. Silly and fun, utterly nonsensical, it treats the superhero genre with humour and doesn't take itself seriously.

#63 - Life Stinks (1991) Review

Life Stinks (1991), Mel Brooks
3/5

This odd and funny film is really enjoyable to watch. Styled in an over the top manner, it is witty and satirizes some serious issues. Overall a good film if somewhat too cheesy at times.

#62 - The Cabin Movie (2005) Review

The Cabin Movie (2005), Dylan Akio Smith
3/5

This is a funny and awkward independent film. The acting is realistic and the film is surprisingly interesting and funny. The characters are pretty stereotyped, but the acting combats that. The film has all the awkwardness and feel of real life and doesn't try too much to sum up any grand notions or character arcs. Surprisingly a good drama and not that sexually explicit considering the terrible glossy DVD cover.

#61 - Ong Bak 3 (2010) Review

Ong Bak 3 (2010), Tony Jaa
3/5

Visually beautiful and stunning and ridiculous fight scenes. This film is a pleasure to watch for the visuals. The acting nor the narrative are that interesting, but it's the crazy fight scenes and beautiful, art design that are beautiful. Overall not as strong as the 2nd film, but still enjoyable.

#60 - The Raid: Redemption (2012) Review

The Raid: Redemption (2012), Gareth Evans
4/5

This is a brilliant action thriller. Without the gung ho cheesiness of Hollywood action, this film is sharp, with beautiful cinematography. The fight choreography is great. Overall the film is intense, violent and gritty.

#59 - Dear Mr Gacy (2010) Review

Dear Mr Gacy (2010), Svetozar Ristovski
3.5/5

An interesting film about serial killers and psychopaths. Based on a true story, the acting is great and the story is thrilling. However it is at times a bit over the top and trite, but overall a strong film.

#58 - Johnny Got His Gun (1971) Review

Johnny Got His Gun (1971), Dalton Trumbo
3.5/5

This strange, brilliant and contemplative film is excellent. A psychological thriller it poses more questions than it answers. Mentally disturbing and provocative. Worth watching.

#57 - Carrie (1976) Review

Carrie (1976), Brian de Palma
3/5

A good cheesy horror film, somewhere between a teen movie and horror film. Gratuitous and good pay off, deliciously disturbing.

#56 - Dead Man (1995) Review

Dead Man (1995), Jim Jarmusch
4/5

A brilliant film and visual feast, writer and director of Ghost Dog comes a brilliantly intense and visually stunning drama. The story is simplistic, and the feature of the film is instead the visual drama and exquisite imagery in black and white film.

#55 - American History X (1998) Review

American History X (1998), Tony Kaye
3.5/5

Great cinematography, lots of slow tracking shots, and great use of black and white for the second time line. The acting is good, although Norton is somewhat unbelievable in parts. This would be an excellent character thriller and social commentary except unfortunately devolves into trite melodrama at the end, which is a disappointment. Also a number of aspects are quite unrealistic.

#54 - Chatroom (2010) Review

Chatroom (2010), Hideo Nakata
3/5

An intriguing concept and portrayal, although it lacks real thrill and is somewhat predictable. Less intense than I would have liked. Performances are good, but overall felt slightly immature and very "teen".

#53 - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) Review

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Terry Gilliam
3.5/5

Great cinematography, very strange, absurd and darkly funny.

#52 - Match Point (2005) Review

Match Point (2005), Woody Allen
2/5

An inferior version of "Crime and Misdemeanors". A quasi moralistic drama, the cinematography is classic Woody, but the acting is poor and characters flat and boring. Rich people are incredibly dull and the pacing is incredibly slow. While conclusion is somewhat unconventional, it lacks impact and any depth. Thoroughly disappointing and arduous.

#51 - To be or not to be (1983) Review

To be or not to be (1983), Mel Brooks
3.5/5

Surprisingly funny and a good story, lots of fun.

#50 - Survival of the Dead (2009) Review

Survival of the Dead (2009), George A. Romero
0.5/5

Terrible, lacking in interesting story, and the gore isn't satisfying, the graphics poor. With only a couple funny moments. This is not even enjoyable on a bad level, it's just bad. Romero perhaps just gets worse with age.

#49 - Atomised (2006) Review

Atomised (Elementarteilchen) (Elementary Particles) (2006), Oskar Roehler
3.5/5

An intriguing drama telling the story of two polar opposite half-brothers. Good performances, especially Moritz Bleibtreu (Run Lola Run, The Baader Meinhoff Complex). While at times a bit overly dramatic it does have some interesting ideas and character development.

#48 - Manhattan (1979) Review

Manhattan (1979), Woody Allen
3.5/5

Beautiful cinematography and full of that Woody Allen wit. A pleasure to watch and some great lines, but is bit sappy at times.

#47 - The Imposter (2012) Review

The Imposter (2012), Bart Layton
4/5

A great documentary and very evocative of discussion. The film has it's own agenda and presents the information in a certain way, but it is quite a thrilling and interesting case. Go in with no expectations or knowledge.

#46 - Death Becomes Her (1992) Review

Death Becomes Her (1992), Robert Zemeckis
3/5

This is a surprisingly good film with some interesting ideas. Performances are good, but Bruce Willis is the stand out, very different from his type cast hero stereotype.

#45 - A Clockwork Orange (1971) Review

A Clockwork Orange, (1971), Stanley Kubrick
4/5

This brilliant social commentary and stylised film is evocative with "ultra-violence" those who don't "get" this film and find it too violent and gratuitous miss the entire point of the film. A brilliant piece of cinema, stylisation, acting with morbid wit and it is still very confronting.

#44 - Beyond Re-Animator (2003) Review

Beyond Re-Animator (2003), Brian Yuzna
3/5

Not as good as the first and a bit slow in the first half. It has enough difference from the first to be not just a straight re-make type sequel and there are some nice homages and gory additions to the story.