The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project (1999), Daniel Myrick & Bob Griffin
2/5
Categorically un-scary and nonsensical. Basically watching 3 idiots wander around some woods getting lost. Acting is poor to ok. So unrealistic and unbelievable I really don't know why it became such a phenomenon and genre breaking.

Cafe de Flore (2012)

Cafe de Flore (2012), Jean Marc Vallee (Canada/ France)
3.5/5
Great cinematography style, good performances, characters and story are interesting. Overall around 30 minutes too long and it really lost momentum and credibility by the third act. Overly romantic and sentimental which avoided some really interesting and disturbing elements, that were unfortunately bungled. Overall still a solid film.

Restrepo (2010)

Restrepo (2010), Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger
3.5/5
Good documentary, that is somewhat impartial. It doesn't have an overt agenda, although it suffers from a definite skewing towards the US military. Rather this documentary focuses on a tight group of people & their experiences rather than any grand sweeping or glorified ideology about war. Some sections feel so raw, that they feel melodramatic despite being real. However, the film somewhat posits a sort of delusional belief of the soldiers that fighting over a patch of sand is so grand, also some elements of the absurdity, also the loss & seeking of revenge, but these are not explored, & probably it is still a 'pro' war film

Ben X (2007)

Ben X (2007), Nic Balthazar (Belgium)
3.5/5
Interesting cinematography that really encapsulates the main characters perception, and experience with Asperger's (Autism Spectrum Disorder) & bullying. The video game parallel works pretty well, but can be at times cheesy. Performances are good especially the main character, who was exceedingly convincing.

Salt (2010) Review

Salt (2010), Philip Noyce

2/5

Almost all non-stop action from start to finish. A predictable double agent plot, anticipating every 'twist' still a lot of fun with outrageous action imaginable. A few bad effects moments & some obvious stunt double shots, but overall enjoyable.

Cold Souls (2009) Review

Cold Souls (2009), Sophie Barthes

3.5/5

An intriguing concept, but due to the nature of the subject matter the overall feel of the film is somewhat flat & it's difficult to get much depth from the characters. Cinematography was good, and the overall style, but the film was a bit lacking.

Lesbian Film Reviews

Gia (1998)
3.5/5
A daring and insightful look at the making and self-destruction of the model Gia. Jolie is amazing playing another sexually provocative yet damaged woman. Interesting look at modelling before all the crazy digital editing took over. Good format with the pseudo-doco biopic style.

The Four-Faced Liar (2010)
3/5
This film is full of quirky characters, that feel real despite being utterly stereotypical. The tension is once again focused on not the fact that the main character is having a lesbian relationship, but the infidelity instead. It is a cute film, with some interesting aspects, easy to watch and surprisingly well written, so that the strong genre elements seem somewhat fresh and the characters raw and vulnerable.

All Over Me (1997)
3/5
A coming of age story focusing on friendship. Story is interesting, but nothing special, good performances from the young cast and an appearance by Leisha Hailey.

Imagine Me and You (2005)

2/5

The "Notting Hill" of Lesbian film romance, it is a cute film, with good performances, but not much substance or real drama or depth. The film fits very predictably within the romance format.

Loving Annabelle (2006)
2/5
Part coming of age story and part teacher/ student romance drama, it is a predictable romance film, with good performances. While being gay is seen as acceptable in the film (despite being set in a catholic school) it feels as if the pressure or tension of the unacceptability of the relationship is pushed onto the fact that it is a violation of the teacher/ student roles.

Intentions (2003)
2/5
This indie production, has college style performances, mediocre cinematography and rather simplistic plot, that lacks real depth and conflict and is somewhat trivialized and stereotypical about "becoming a woman".