#130 - Ordinary People (1980) Review

Ordinary People (1980), Robert Redford
4/5

This is a superb film with stunning performances that far surpasses the datedness of the decor and clothing. The emotional resonance in this film is due to the great cast's performances especially Timothy Hutton as Conrad. What is great about this film, is it's lack of pretentiousness or overt agenda, rather it captures a snapshot of pain and dysfunction of this particular family. I think it would be trite to generalise and criticise the mother character's coldness (played beautifully by Mary Tyler Moore) because really it just shows one person's inability to grieve and understand their family. This film seems to have the feel of a fourth act and ends on an interesting note rather than dealing to the cliche. I was a bit disappointed by the portrayal of the psychiatrist (by Judd Hirsch), his performance is good, but the character is far too abrasive and pushy which is a representation of a bad psychiatrist which belies the apparent effectiveness of this technique in the film's portrayal. Overall an intensely emotional and excellent family drama.

#129 - On the Edge (2001) Review

On the Edge (2001), John Carney
3.5/5

This is a pretty good film, and surprisingly funny despite the morbid storyline. There is a lot of authenticity in this film, which counterbalances the moments of cliche and stereotypes enough to make this worth watching. While the ending is predictable and errs on the side of cliche, there is honesty there as well.

#128 - Jesus Camp (2006) Review

Jesus Camp (2006), Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady
3.5/5

I found this documentary about the Evangelical Christian children's summer camps profoundly disturbing and yet fascinating. While the documentary style itself is retrained and doesn't take a position per se, this makes it rather stark and rudderless. Some amazing and distrubing footage of Ted Haggard and leaders in the Christian political movement as well as crazy footage of children preaching, crying and speaking in "tongues". Overall this film is interesting although it's weakness is a lack of much counterpoint except for a Christian radio presenter who opposes the Evangelical influence in government.

#127 - They Might be Giants (1971) Review

They Might be Giants (1971), Anthony Harvey
3/5

This is charming and funny film about a man who believes he is Sherlock Holmes, whose brother is trying to get him committed. It is quite hilarious to watch and George C. Scott as Holmes/ Justin gives a great performance. What I liked is how it showed the silliness of notions of normality and how "harmless" his "paranoia" (mental illness) was and how rigid and compassionless and unimaginative the mental health professionals were. However I felt that at the end it got far too melodramatic and over the top and I found the ending rather cheap and mishandled. Overall a rather enjoyable and funny film.

#126 - A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) Review

A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), John Moore
3/5

As a fan of Die Hard this was an expected disappointment. The premise is rather loose, but at least it doesn't try to embellish and basically jumps straight into the action. The storyline is fine, the writing better than the previous film (although nothing on the original) Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4.0) which was utterly ridiculous. Despite this, the fifth film in the series really suffers, with very few moments of levity or one liners. At once, this is good as it is restrained and resists many moments of cheesy go-to lines, however without any substitutes it lacks the charm and visual humour that was the strength of the first film. The obligatory father son storyline is annoying at times, but the acting is good and gets half way to heartfelt at brief moments, albeit set to the background of cars flipping and explosions. The effects and action aren't that interesting and to be honest I tuned out much of the first act which consisted of an elaborate and ridiculous car chase. Overall while this may technically be a better film than the fourth movie, it's not as enjoyable as the more ridiculous moments where he takes on a helicopter with a car and had the hilarious Justin Long as side kick. Overall this is a pretty average action movie that fell rather expectedly flat.

#125 - True Romance (1993) Review

True Romance (1993), Tony Scott (written by Quentin Tarantino)
3/5

At first I thought this film was ridiculous romantic slop and horrified that one of my favourite writer director's Quentin Tarantino had written this. But as time went on this film grew on me in a bad kind of way as it got more ridiculous, over the top, and gory. The casting is great with some big names and their performances are good, although their characters are exceedingly stupid. The worse this film got the more I loved it, and it had the real makings of a Tarantino, with the great cast and silly plot, but what it lacked was the powerful cinematography and atmosphere that the Tarantino film has. Overall this is a really silly and at times enjoyably bad film.

#124 - The Manchurian Candidate (1962) Review

The Manchurian Candidate (1962), John Frankenheimer
3.5/5

This is an excellent classic, with great twists and turns. Performances are excellent, coupled with the strangeness of the scenes, it makes for a great thriller, albeit a much slower paced thriller. My only real criticism is that the film did tend to drag at some points and was also a bit heavy handed with the messages at times. Overall a really excellent and intelligent thriller.

#123 - Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) Review

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006), Tom Tykwer
3.5/5

I found this film rather intoxicating and intriguing. It begins with an assault to the senses and it's beautifully crafter cinematography matched with sound creates such a powerful effect. The performances are stunning especially Ben Whishaw (Cloud Atlas) as Grenouille. Overall I think this film was masterfully handled although I really disliked the ending and final scenes.

#122 - The Smurfs (2011) Review

The Smurfs (2011), Raja Gosnell
2/5

For someone who didn't grow up watching "The Smurfs" this film held no nostalgic value for me. I was surprised by some comedic lines and moments. However the story of anyone can fulfil their dreams was a bit overdone. Also, the human storyline was quite droll and stereotyped to within an inch of it's life. An overworked advertising man Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother) isn't there to support his pregnant wife Grace (Jayma Mays, Glee) makes up the white man, woman and child family stereotype that continues to be fed to our children of "perfect" models of family etc. I was also appalled to notice the sheer amount of product placement in this film, it was literally everywhere, and one might argue that children don't notice these things, well think again. How many kids after seeing this would have wanted a "guitar hero" game or some other product? I felt the story message and advertising really cheapened this film, which otherwise had pretty good graphics and average performances.

Breaking Bad, Season 5, Episode 9 (2013) Review

Breaking Bad, Episode 509
Blood Money, August 11, 2013

***SPOILERS***

After a predictable and somewhat inevitable cliffhanger at the mid-season finale last year, this episode opens with a haunting prologue without dialogue. It then jumps back to the moment where it left off in episode 8. The use of sound in the scenes after Hank's realisation are amazing, utilising the amplification of sound to emphasis his experiences. I also love the hilarious discussion of Star Trek and the transporter by Badger and Skinny Pete as it is hilarious to see these idiots talk about high quality philosophy of mind. Walter seems to continue to lie to everyone (which has become somewhat formulaic, although no one really believes him these days) and seems incapable of breaking this pattern, even demanding that Jesse his lies. Once again Walter has set Jesse into an emotional tail spin. Hank also seems to be having a bad time and I didn't see it coming when he punched Walter. I was rather hoping for a more prolonged game where both Walt and Hank knew about Walter. Overall a good episode with many threads still loose to be tied up by the end of this season. Looking forward to episode 10 "Buried".

#121 - Lost Highway (1997) Review

Lost Highway (1997), David Lynch (R)
4/5

Lost Highway is a dark and seductive film with beautiful cinematography. David Lynch true to form creates a world of shadows and light that is so atmospheric and compelling, which is paired beautifully and eerily with great soundtrack which includes David Bowie and Marilyn Manson. The dark elements of the film, border on the surreal, but remain full of ambiguity. Taking everything to extremes of emotion, sex and violence it is still incredibly artistic and restrained. The framing and lighting are just so evocative and stunning. Performances are compelling, although the characters are rather simplistic and more in the vein of characters in film noir, this doesn't lessen the powerful and strange plot. David Lynch's films are not for those who like clear cut happy endings, fast pace and no moral ambiguity, and Lost Highway is no exception. Overall Lost Highway is a powerful and haunting film that is just a visual feast.

#120 - Art School Confidential (2006) Review

Art School Confidential (2006), Terry Zwigoff
3.5/5

This is a humorous and intriguing film exploring the world of art, success and fame. Starring Max Minghella (The Social Network, 2010) as Jerome who is struggling with how to become a successful artist and win the girl of his dreams Audrey (Sophia Miles, Underworld, 2003). He gives a good performance alongside a great cast, which includes John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich) who also produced the film, in the role of the eccentric and egocentric possibly gay art tutor. This film may seem predictable, but that is the genius, it beautifully plays with all the art school and college student stereotypes with hilarious and authentic effect. Overall I found this a surprisingly funny and familiar film.

#119 - The East (2013) (MIFF) Review

The East (2013), Zal Batmanglij
Melbourne International Film Festival 2013
4/5

Don't be fooled by the poster, this is an intense thriller a notch above the rest. Starring Brit Marling (Another Earth) as Jane/ Sarah an intelligence agent assigned to infiltrate an eco-terror group this is an ethically and emotionally ponderous film. While the plot is relatively predictable Marling's performance gives the whole story an authentic emotional centre and you find yourself really drawn in. The visuals are good and the dialogue quite restrained, allowing the visuals and performances to tell the story. While the scenes with the cult seem outlandish to begin with, it's pretty tame in comparison to depictions of cults like that in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2012). The supporting cast is excellent including Alexander Skarsgard (best known for his role in True Blood), Ellen Page (Hard Candy, Juno) who is surprisingly restrained, Patricia Clarkson (Vicki Christina Barcelona) who takes a break from her usual bubbly or excitable roles for this more restrained, cold and corporate look and Jason Ritter (Good Dick) who plays Jane/ Sarah's real life boyfriend. On the whole, a really interesting film and although it had some obvious plot flaws the subject matter and performances are enjoyable and intense.

#118 - Computer Chess (2013) (MIFF) Review

Computer Chess (2013), Andrew Bujalski
Melbourne International Film Festival 2013
3.5/5

This hilariously awkward film from the mumblecore director Andrew Bujalski (Funny Haha, Mutual Appreciation, Beeswax) brings a whimsical and warm note to something that could have been dry and all too nerd centric. Focusing on the dawn of the computer age, the film is set at the computer chess tournament in the 1980s in a hotel, this seminal point in history is awkwardly portrayed alongside ageing hippies and the naiveté and hopes of the technological advances. Filmed as a quasi documentary in black and white, true to form Bujalski has created a film that focuses on a select group of people and in this case a subculture that is both humorous and telling. While it has a great nostalgia about it for those who grew up in that time it is also highly accessible and funny. It also satisfies those who prefer a rougher video look, in todays age of high definition and blu ray quality. This film isn't Bujalski's best work, as it fails to hit some of the more poignant notes explored in Mutual Appreciation  and Funny Ha Ha, but it does however show a great tenderness and more humour in both the writing and the visuals that is really enjoyable. If you missed it at MIFF it's definitely worth a watch for all those fans of 80s computers and anyone who just loves a funny film.

#117 - In the Loop (2009) Review

In the Loop (2009), Armando Iannucci
3.5/5

This is a great political satire that is vulgar, dry in humour and despairingly believable. The performances are excellent, and include actors like James Gandolfini (The Sopranos). The cinematography has a documentary like feel, but it isn't intrusive. Overall this is a really smart and funny film about international politics.

#116 - Everything you always wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask (1972) Review

Everything you always wanted to know about sex* but were afraid to ask (1972), Woody Allen
3.5/5

This collection of hilarious and silly stories is a lot of fun. Touching on the sexual revolution it is much like satire with Allen's quick wit. The cast is great especially Gene Wilder. Overall this is a silly and over the top film which is a lot of fun to watch.

#115 - Starlet (2012) (MIFF) Review

Starlet (2012), Sean Baker
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2013
4/5

This is a surprising, moving and beautifully shot and performed film. The story focuses on Jane (Dree Hemingway) a young woman who faces a moral dilemma.  It is at times funny and others heartfelt and moving, and all the performances are convincing and deep. For me this is a film about friendship and moral choices and the features of the adult film industry are rather sidelined. While some might argue that those aspects are the film are too explicit and gratuitous I think it is handled well and in a humorous way that doesn't glorify or degrade. It isn't a major feature of the film, rather it expands the breadth of characters and themes. Overall the film is poignant with great performances, and the soft camera movements give a naturalistic feel. However, the film is subtle and while it doesn't delve too deeply below the surface this allows it to escape melodrama for the most part.

#114 - Howl (2010) Review

Howl (2010), Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
4/5

This excellent film explores the poetry of Allen Ginsberg (James Franco), his life and experiences, as well as notions of insanity, sexuality, existentialism, literature and censorship. At first I found the use of animation sequences paired with the poetry rather pretentious, but they grew on me and Franco's performance of the rhythm of the poems are brilliant. The style generally of the film gels with the subject matter switching between black and white and colour sequences as well as the animation sequences. The film beautifully covers the inspiration and life of Allen Ginsberg. Examining the influences on his poetry using the conduit of the trial of obscenity for the book "Howl" and this works effectively. The cast is really strong and in particular James Franco gives an excellent portrayal of Ginsberg. Overall a really interesting and dynamic film to watch and not just of interest to those who are passionate about poetry and literature as it is quite emotional and accessible.

#113 - Super (2010) Review

Super (2010), James Gunn
2.5/5

This is a superhero film on steroids another film added to the genre alongside Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World (2010) and Kick-Ass (2010). Rainn Wilson (The Office) as Frank is great, but Ellen Page (Juno, Hard Candy) is insane and gives a crazy over the top performance. If this over the top violent and bizarrely and disturbingly sexual film at times is a comment on the fixation with comic book heroes it fails. It is both brutal and way too over the top. I'm not really sure what this film is about and I kept feeling like what was happening would turn out to be a dream or not real. Overall this is a strange film, with some absurdly funny moments.

#112 - You Can Count on Me (2000) Review

You Can Count on Me (2000), Kenneth Lonergan
3/5

This is a rather innocuous "feel good" film that has more potential than realisation. The performances are great with excellent cast including Laura Linney (The Squid and the Whale), Mark Ruffalo (Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind), Matthew Broderick (The Stepford Wives) and Rory Culkin (Signs). However the plot is rather thin and while it attempts to delve into "deep" subjectmatter, death of parents, extra-marital affairs, etc it all seems a little thin and superficial. The characters sort of float and lack much motivation or depth, and it is purely the strength of the cast that carries over an real sentiment and realism. Overall the film is a pretty average light affair and is rather predictable, with good performances.

#111 - Twelve Monkeys (1995) Review

Twelve Monkeys (1995), Terry Gilliam
4/5

This is a really unusual and interesting science fiction film based on the short french film "La Jetee". Bruce Willis (Die Hard) as James Cole gives one of the best performances stepping outside his typecast action hero role. Brad Pitt (Fight Club) as Jeffrey is also great, although I feel like Madeline Stowe (The Last of the Mohicans) gives a less than realistic performance. The script is really interesting and Terry Gilliam (director of Brazil) added a great flavour with his industrial futuristic look. However the film has dated a bit, but this is forgivable due to the great themes of reality and delusion as well as time travel and the excesses of the human race. It also manages to look at mental illness with authenticity and empathy, beautifully questioning society's notions of what is sane. Overall I really love this film despite it's faults, it really expands a great story and develops some interesting characters and complex philosophical questions about the nature of reality and time travel.

#110 - American Splendor (2003) Review

American Splendor (2003), Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
2.5/5

This is a strange and darkly funny movie about Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti, Sideways) a miserable guy who writes a comic book about his life. The film is strange and it switches between the fictionalised story and excerpts of the real Harvey Pekar and other real life characters from the comic book. It can be a bit dull and miserable at times which is the subject matter, but it is also quirky and funny. Overall an interesting watch especially for those interested in the underground comic book scene.

#109 - Ghost World (2001) Review

Ghost World (2001), Terry Zwigoff
3.5/5

What I really love about this film is it's honesty, it's dark and absurd humour laced with compassion and also cruelty as best friends Enid (Thora Birch, American Beauty) and Rebecca (Scarlette Johansson, Vicky, Christina, Barcelona) spend their summer after graduating high school. The performances are funny and great also featuring the excellent and beautifully pathetic Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs) as Seymour. Overall a sharp, witty and honest film with great performances.

#108 - Like Crazy (2011) Review

Like Crazy (2011), Drake Doremus
3.5/5

At first glance I thought this film was going to be another overwrought melodramatic romantic drama, but was pleasantly surprised by the excellent performances and subtle cinematography. The film focuses on the realities of long distance relationships and it delves deeper at times and can be quite restrained with great writing. However at other times it diverts into cliche and melodrama. Overall a better than average romantic drama with great performances.

#107 - Chasing Amy (1997) Review

Chasing Amy (1997), Kevin Smith
2.5/5

This is a pretty average film by Kevin Smith. While it tries very hard to be modern and deal with issues of gender, relationships and sexuality it really just tries too hard and ends up being over acted and cliche. Overall a pretty average and not really funny film.

#106 - East of Eden (1955) Review

East of Eden (1955), Elia Kazan
4/5

This is a great film, the performances are stunning and there is so much depth and darkness that this film explores. James Dean especially gives a stand out performance. While the film is quite long, there is so much detail and depth to explore. Overall a brilliant classic.

#105 - On the Waterfront (1954) Review

On the Waterfront (1954), Elia Kazan
4/5

This is a brilliant classic with great performances telling a powerful story. The lighting and framing give the film a great texture and mood that compliments the story. Overall a great film with excellent performances especially Marlon Brando.

#104 - A serious Man (2009) Review

A Serious Man (2009), Ethan And Joel Coen
4/5

This is another great film from the Coen brothers, it is frustrating, poignant and beautifully photographed and performed. While it is a little long, it covers some great themes and conveys this sense of the absurd and frustration of suburbia and the changing role of men in the late 60s. It has some great philosophical and moral angst and it is darkly funny at times. Overall a powerful and intriguing film.

#103 - Catfish (2010) Review

Catfish (2010), Henry Joost, Ariel Schilman
3/5

This strange low budget documentary explores the world of deceit and sadness as Ariel's brother Nev begins to discover that the girl he'd been in a online relationship for months isn't exactly what she appears. The group of filmmakers follow Nev and discover the unexpected and sad melancholy of suburbia. Overall the subject matter is strange and interesting, not really sure what to think after watching this film.

#102 - Prozac Nation (2001)

Prozac Nation (2001), Erik Skjoldjaerg
3.5/5

On first viewing I hated this film, thinking it a poor adaptation of a complex and powerful memoir that portrayed all the characters as narcissistic. However the film has grown on me and while it does have it's faults, it does overall convey the transformation of what is a collection of experiences and emotions of Elizabeth Wurtzel into a coherent narrative. Christina Ricci gives a good performance and isn't afraid to appear unlikeable. The film is at times cliche and others authentic and it does gloss over the idea of "recovery" quite a bit. Overall an interesting and at times authentic portrayal of mental illness.

#101 - Love and Death (1975) Review

Love and Death (1975), Woody Allen
3.5

This is a hilarious and ridiculous film from Woody Allen. It's charm is it's bizarre combination of self reflection, satire and irony. I love the use of philosophical humour and melodramatic acting in a historical context with modern ideas which make this a prime example of Woody Allen's post modernism. Overall this film is silly and ridiculously funny, but sharp and intelligent as well.