Stewbo

Had a wee double feature tonight (because I'm a boring b*****d and have to work tomorrow) The Class - 8/10 Was forced to go out and get this after a colleague pestered me about seeing it for the last month or two and I'm pleased that he did. It's astonishing to think that the cast is made up of almost entirely non-professional actors (kids and teachers from the high-school that was used). Basically an insight into a term in a Parisian high school, focussing mostly on a French teacher and the pupils from one of his classes. Honestly, a plot summary doesnt do it justice, it sounds average and foreign language films can put some folk off but it's very engrossing and unturnoffable (I have patented this word, please credit me if you decide to steal it ) Frozen River - 8/10 Very moving drama about a middle aged woman whos husband has left her and her two kids poor. She coincidentally meets a native American people trafficker and it leads on from here. Melissa Leo gives an incredible performance that you can really identify with her character who's going through such a tough situation.

Meh Micky Ward wasn't really doing it for the money, it was more about repairing the broken legacy of his family. I will have to grab a copy of Warrior on dvd if its as good as you say (you will be sent a bill if it turns out to be gash ) Also agree that Williams best serious performance was in Insomnia, it feels more special seeing him playing a villain and he does it so well. Best comedy performance must be Aladdin or Mrs Doubtfire though (Maybe Good Morning Vietnam up there too)

The Fighter is my favourite film from the last couple of years. Hurt Locker is class aswell but it doesnt have a big ending. Xmen First Class is good too if you like that type of thing.

The Conversation - 8/10 I had written out a proper review for this but some computer problems have really let me down and I can't be bothered typing the whole thing up again. What I will say is that Mr Hackman gives a superb performance that could very easily be underdone, and the supporting performance of John Cazale (Fredo from Godfather) is also very well done. Very intense, very interesting and faster paced than you would imagine, well worth your time.

District 9 - 7/10 Started watching this with fairly low expectations of this film but was pleasantly surprised at the quality. The style that its shown in (action movie type fast paced scenes with some documentary type snippets to break it up) works very well and the lead actor is actually pretty impressive for the role he is playing. The story is a bit of a twist on an old cliche but it just about pulls it off. Dialogue isn't amazing but being an action movie and with a third of the cast speaking in alienese clicks(which are thankfully subtitled) that's to be expected. The only really bad parts for me were a few wee bits that 'gave me the boke', particularly involving body parts falling off, and an ending that seemed a little bit unfinished. I would recommend giving this a wee watch if you feel you can overlook the slightly unimaginative plotline and dodgy special effects.

Pretty decent indeed, there's a few decent adaptations of James Patterson books, this or Kiss The Girls are probably the best of the bunch.

I will concede that its a bit slow to get going but when it does it really sets the bar for mafia movies. You fellows might prefer the book, its the same story obviously but you fell more connected to the characters than in the film.

Awww aye, forgot about that . 3rd best then Take it back...

Four Brothers - 8/10 Probably the most watched action movie in my collection. Mark Wahlberg, Andre 3000 (yes, from Outkast) and Tyrese Gibson star. Probably Wahlbergs 2nd best film after The Fighter, a proper guy film but with a heart behind it. I was going to post a plot description but it makes it sound worse than it is. Give it a watch if you like: Bad Boys (less action, more story)

Elephant - 9/10 Chilling is the only way I can describe this film, not what I expected at all. You sit through the whole film in a state of suspense waiting for what you obviously know is about to happen but when it does it seems as shocking as it would be if you had no idea how it ended. It seems very short because of the somewhat abrupt ending and a slight lack of focus on some of the characters. However the positives totally offset those little negatives and I would say that anyone who hasnt seen it yet should do so at the first opportunity.

No idea why they changed the nationality of the squad, maybe Americans are more commercially viable or something stupid like that. Making Deadpool a huge assortment of powers was a bit shit, but the end scene wouldve been dire if it was true to the comics no? (Same situation with kick-ass and the machinegun thing, that was a pretty good scene you must admit.) Most of the baddies in Last Stand were new, most of the others were just irrelevant I think, the other two from destiny's child compared to Beyonce type of thing...

I'm pleased at the amount of controversy I've caused The writing certainly contributed to the poor standard of Last Stand, but there is a different feel to it than the first 2. There's no real connection felt with any of the characters IMO and I think there were far too many new characters added in (First Class suffered from this a wee bit aswell). I preferred Wolverine to it, thought it was pretty cheesey and some stuff was taken a bit far in it but its more enjoyable to watch I think. I didnt think about it from that point of view, and now that you've pointed it out I totally see what you mean. Fair play to him if thats what he was going for but I dont think the subtlety of it works as well as this technique does in the likes of Memento and The Prestige.

Correct, I meant the differences between the first 2, last stand, and origins/first class as 3 blocks. Last stand was watchable, but from a cinematic perspective its pretty shit, and definitely worse than the other 4 (fair enough, first class was a different cast but similar calibre of cast). Blasphemy!!!! Inception was great, not as good as Prestige or Memento but certainly on par with batman begins and better than dark knight.

Oh its definitely a good film, the rating was more to do with my expectations of it than a lack of quality. Fair enough about it not really being 'his' film, but a change of direction can make so much difference (The X-Men films are the ones that spring to mind, same actors for most, replaced in first class by actors of equal talent for the mostpart). Very harsh, which ones of Memento, The Prestige, Batman Begins, Dark Knight and Inception would you drop below it? (Haven't seen Following so I dont know what that's like)

My Own Private Idaho - 8/10 Pretty trippy at times but a great story, a good few years ahead of it's time. You really connect with the characters which I think is a salute to the acting talent of the late River Phoenix. A lot of people dont like Keanu Reeves but I personally dont mind him and think he plays his part well in this. The Fighter - 10/10 I challenge anyone to say a bad word about this film. The acting talent on show is as close to perfect as you can get in modern cinema, the story is amazing, especially considering it's all true. You really feel a connection with Micky throughout the film and feel yourself fighting the bouts alongside him not unlike the first 4 Rocky films. The relationship with Micky and Charlene is portrayed superbly aswell and, for me at least, this is the best boxing film out there. Good Will Hunting - 10/10 Great film, excellent acting on show from Mr Williams, Mr Damon and Mr Skarsgard, wonderful story (shows how much better a writer Ben Affleck is than an actor) and as usual, genius directing from Gus Van Sant. If anyone hasnt seen this modern classic I suggest you do so as soon as possible. Insomnia - 6/10 Dont let my rating give the wrong impression, this is a good film with a solid plot and is well worth a watch. The 6 out of 10 was merely to express my disappointment given the cast on show (Al Pacino and Robin Williams star) and the fact the incredible Chris Nolan directs, it doesnt come anywhere near the standard his other works.

Aww damn the LEGO for 6598 is awsome aswell The legendary 'Police Station with Boat' set Oh well this'll need to do

Wish I'd been about for the start of this Better late than never I suppose

Oh aye no doubt, The Walking Dead could have been something great instead of just good if they had kept the same standard going from season one. Breaking Bad has so much more depth to it aswell as gripping storylines

So desperate to see it, missed the slight chance I had on monday and working most of this week I'll try and squash it in when I get home tonight and post my thoughts accordingly I noticed it was an hour and a half long as well. Not enough shows go for the feature length season finale anymore #bringbacksuperlongfinales

So desperate to see it, missed the slight chance I had on monday and working most of this week I'll try and squash it in when I get home tonight and post my thoughts accordingly I noticed it was an hour and a half long as well. Not enough shows go for the feature length season finale anymore #bringbacksuperlongfinales

Anybody else think the other gay guy looks like Alexander Skarsgard from True Blood?

Oh are they doing a Star Trek sequel aye? I love ZQ, really under rated actor and its great to see him in a regular role on TV again, like you say, hopefully they keep him in for series 2.

Aye it doesnt take itself too seriously which helps it out I think. This weeks ep was great and it looks as though they could be preparing for season two with that ending. Curious to see what happens to Doc Harmann, and with his wee metal nympho ex-mistress and the other crazy bitches. My vote is for a Royal Rumble match

Aye I think so Can't wait for it though, I think it could go either way tbh

So gutted this season is finished Great last episode but very disappointed at how it ended. Hopefully we'll see a new major character appear next season aswell, and hopefully less of Rothsteins goons (they really are shit characters )