Films Viewed In 2011

This is obviously dated to modern eyes but it still packs a powerful punch with spine-tingling moments of spooky genius. It's very much your average haunted house story yet it has such jaw-droppingly bizarre effects that it entertains throughout. You can immediately tell that Poltergeist is a film that has continued to influence the horror genre throughout the years as I recognised suspenseful elements seen in ghost stories filmed today. It is excellently acted, the music brilliantly creates an eerie atmosphere, and the special effects are cleverly executed for its time. Poltergeist is a true example of a classic horror experience.

The ultimate romantic comedy! When Harry Met Sally is a witty, endearing and well-acted film that will be enjoyed for years to come. The film is excellently scripted to give to a sentimental view upon love and friendship. Although I'm not too fond of Meg Ryan she is mesmerizing as Sally Albright and Billy Crystal is just as wonderous as the fast-talking Harry Burns.
When Harry Met Sally is a humourous and delightful movie that soars above almost all of the rom-coms of the 21st century.

To love this movie you have to be a fan of Jackass and that I am. I've worshipped their idiocy since the beginning and ten years since the show's inception, these guys have still got it. Jackass 3 is filled with such nonsensical hilarity and done with such camaraderie that I wish the Jackass crew will never give up what they do. Yes, some stunts are pointless and disgusting but that's what makes this movie so great, jaws will be dropping in sheer shock value and heads will be shaking in disbelief. Finally something in 3D that is worth you forking out the extra cash. Jeff Tremaine always directs the openings and endings of this franchise to perfection. There's a tender poignancy in the ending, flashbacks from the first ever stunts, along with cute kiddie photos and Weezer's Memories blasting out in the background, it has you thinking is this the end for Jackass? I applaud you guys, another hilariously imaginitive and crazily gross movie from the most likeably bonkers guys around.

An exceptionally well made film. The Killing Fields is an important, compelling and emotive story brilliantly brought to the screen by director Roland Joffé. Great performances from Sam Waterson, John Malkovich, Julian Sands and a heart-wrenching portrayal from Dr. Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran. I came across this film by accident really, but it drew me in and horrified me about an era of history I wasn't well informed of. The Killing Fields is an incredibly honest tale of war, tragedy and friendship, with the perfect placement of John Lennon's 'Imagine' at its beautifully poignant ending.

A very poor film that I really wanted to like. Director David Gordon Green, combined with a Danny McBride script and acting from James Franco and Natalie Portman, you'd think you'd be onto a winner with all the talent involved, unfortunately it makes for a dire and unfunny experience. The cinema I viewed this in was literally silent, you could smell the disappointment. Danny McBride takes the lead role of Thadeous, playing the lazy stoner type that worked so well for Franco in Pineapple Express, only Thadeous is just not likeable enough, his humour is boorish (sorry to say but the movie could appear to be scripted by a sex-obsessed adolescent) and McBride delivers his lines in a bitingly arrogant tone that annihilates any sniff of wit in the script, this tone of voice verges on irritating after one hour and fourty minutes. I also sensed an Anglo-American clash, the British comic performances didn't seem to work well against the American comic performances, its almost if the film couldn't make its mind up whether it wanted to be a homage to Monty Python's Holy Grail or a comedy more along the lines of Pineapple Express. Yet what is most disappointing is that deep down I know this could have been a very funny movie but as it stands the humour will only appear to lovers of extremely crude humour or adolescent boys. To conclude, the film just doesn't work.

An excellent and moving piece of Blockbuster entertainment overflowing with nostalgia and warmth. J.J.Abrams brings us yet another splendid production filled with great performances, particularly from the young cast. This film was a wonderful tribute to 80's movies and made me feel as if I was back in the good old days of kiddie adventure movies a la The Goonies, ET and Stand By Me. A splendid, fun and absorbing movie.

Thought-provoking, very classy and totally engaging. Alfredson follows up his brilliant achievement 'Let the Right one In' with another intriguing and successful film. Alfredson creates a masterly atmosphere which is brooding and sinister, you don't know which character to trust. With a cast jam-packed full of talent, Gary Oldman doesn't even have to say anything and we understand his quietly calculating, very subtle performance. Oscar time for Oldman, perhaps? He is in good company, with strong convincing turns from Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch and John Hurt. There is even a very amusing turn from Kathy Burke in a small role. The cinematography is astounding, convincingly taking you back to the 1970's, in seedy smoke filled, claustrophobic offices of MI6.
A cinematic achievement, greatly recommended.