Reviews

Perhaps the best game I've ever played, and I'm still doing so, there's that much to do it seems I won't be through with it until the year 2020. And perhaps not then either.

Beyond that I suppose it's worth highlighting some of the features of this game that make it utterly mesmerising.

Activities you can embark upon are numerous, including: Treasure hunting, hunting (animal and bounty), cattle herding, General 'progress orientated' missions, horsebreaking, nightwatching, cinema-going, poker-blackjack-liar's dice-horseshoe throwing-horsecart racing-bird shooting Wagers. There are strangers to meet and challenges to overcome, like defeating a cougar with a knife or finding a flower of the rarest nature.

There is a story to this thing that will captivate, and although a lot of the crap they speak really seems like crap a lot of the time, it seems to portray a valid painting of the time it's based. the characters are likable (the finale will annoy, it really will, perhaps even sadden) - and th characters are far more memorable than your average game, this is a special achievement as there are so many characters to meet. Charles Kinnear springs to mind. It is utterly overwhelming that a company could fit so much on to one little disc. that is Rockstars legacy I suppose, they've been creating new worlds for a while now, but this is their pinnacle. It truly is.

So get moving.

There are classic weapons to find and clothes to wear, there are frontiers to scale and ghost towns to loot. You've got mesas and rivers and pastures and forests to explore, there are scorching deserts and snowy mountains to survive in. It's a world of immense size.

I know, it's like GTA4 all over again except with horses. But it isn't. It's a whole new thing, and better I might add. The game's taken a new direction from the bustle of a city landscape, it's gone for a specific time, it's chosen it's specific impact and goal, and delivered it finely.

This has to be a classic game on all scales, disliking it cannot be possible, there must be something in it that you like at least a little bit. And so it wins. It's seriously not possible to describe it properly, all I can suggest is getting a copy and playing it for yourself.

This game is highly recommended.

There's not much that can be said for a game in which the only premise is to navigate blokes around a pitch and attempt to boot a sphere of leather filled with air in between two white posts, whilst trying not to let the other blokes kick it into yours by tackling and passing and dribbling and working as a team etc.

Gawdy, same-old stuff then? And for a game of 1998 must be awful compared to todays standards.

Actually, no. And there are only three things that separate this game from a world of usual football gaming tedium:

1) The way in which you can tackle other players. You can more or less punch other people, or shove them, or tackle two-footed on purpose. It's half football-half hooliganism. It's brilliant, most of the time you'll be seeing red, but every so often you'll get through, leaving your quarry in a heap on the pitch. In which case you'll be laughing your head off and lose the ball. Which doesn't matter- As Michael Cera's Evan said in Superbad, scorning the game - "It's soccer. It's just soccer." 2) Players on the other team will randomly score own goals. Seriously, a superb volley from the Arsenal defender, what a (own) goal. It's something like this that just makes it so enjoyable, so rewarding. That glimmer of imperfection that gives a game what it needs. The ability to make you smile, even though it shouldn't. 3) INDOOR FOOTBALL - I don't know any other game with this feature, if there is one it won't matter to me. The indoor mode on this game is perfect. From insane ricochets off the wall to insanely easy scoring by your own goalkeeper. It is a brilliant feature, and makes this game superbly playable, especially in a two player-invite your mates over-open beers sort of thing.

If you like football, but want something more, and still have a PS1 then find this if you can. If not, oh well, what can you do. It is good though, believe me. Recommended.

9/10

What the game is about is obvious, you're a hired goon going around bumping off targets in a covert manner for a top government contracting agency. Things go a bit dodgy when other goons start muscling in on you due to the events surrounding your hit-man's incarnation. So, with this in mind you get the idea that you're doing this stuff whilst being targeted yourself. Clever.

Besides the plot, which is okay and logical enough, the general gameplay is astounding. Sure it's violent, but it's called a hit-man, as said, some goon killing people, it's bound to be, that's why it's got an 18 certificate. If you're into a bit of pixelated violence then you're in for a treat.

And to be honest, as some over-exaggerate, it's not overtly violent at all, you get used to it after a while. But it's never mundane, from crushing skulls with claw hammers and other random tools you find lying around, to merely wandering around shooting people, even drugging people can have numerous applications that connect it with fun, which is endless. If you want carefree murderous fun, and to control an avatar with a barcode on the back of his head, then Hit-man's Agent 47 will not disappoint.

It's not just an exercise of puerile murder sprees though, although it can be amusing. Each level has the advantage of endless replayability. Depending on how stealthy and clever you are, you'll get a rating, ranging from Mad Butcher to Silent Assassin. If you want to get the top reward, then you need to plan your mission, utilise the environment to provoke accidental deaths that you won't be blamed for, which are hilarious. From pianos falling on heads to sabotaged cooking appliances. (P.S. If you want a special rating, do go around missions with hand-held tools butchering everyone. You'll get a namesake worth cherishing - 'Evil Eye Gouger' being one such thing that made me laugh, for a bit. And made me feel proud - it's loads of fun, but not easy. You'll see when you attack gun-wielding pigs with nothing but a shovel).

Furthermore the notoriety feature is also something to care about, if you leave mayhem and a gaggle of witnesses you're going to be suspected on the next assignment, unless you bribe people, which you may not have the money for. If you want a way around this, I suggest killing everyone if you think you've screwed the mission up, no one alive, no witnesses. Seriously, you can go berserk on this game, and that never gets boring.

The general graphics are pretty good. The worlds you stalk are large, full of unique opportunities for 47 to take advantage of, and extremely varied, from massive casinos to boats.

There are a few problems though. Glitches mainly: 1) It crashes. I tried killing with a spade and a fire extinguisher and a knife on differing occasions. And it seemed that if I did too much of this I would find the game crash as I tried to hit someone, after which many people had been killed. 2) People don't always die! Shooting some people in the head may cause said bloke to freeze and meh, he won't die. Even if you try blowing him up. Hence, he'll be a witness and you're buggered if you want a top rating. 3) Sometimes people will appear in floors, and in walls and the place will look like some diabolical Andy Warhol thing. It can be very annoying.

4) I would have liked more levels to get my teeth into, but that doesn't matter really.

Overall these flaws won't bother you. You can happily reboot and get on with it again if it crashes. The numerous ways of completing a silent hit, and the four different difficulty levels mean you can attempt it in various modes, and in various ways. Making the 'serious' game play rewarding, mature and something that won't become boring very quickly.

And, if you fancy stalking corridors for the laugh, if you're bored perhaps, then that's cool too. To just ferry your man from place to place 'doing in' all who stand in your way is an utter joy, and along with some of the in-game quirks and jokes (Such as Clown Antics to Love-Starved old ladies) you'll be surprised at the heart this game seems to have, it's nice that it isn't just a relenting murder saga.

All of this put together ensures that you will never be short of a good time at the control of the greatest professional killer the world has ever seen. Highly recommended save game glitches.

8/10

This is a long defensive review of one of my favourite films. I begin:

I notice one reviewer commenting on the language used in Dead Man's Shoes... An American, typically enough. Well, I hail from the glorious county of Derbyshire in which this film was set and made.

First of all my admiration goes to Meadows' excellent eye for the unquestionable scenic beauty of the countryside surrounding Matlock, Derbyshire. His sweeping shots of fields and woodland to an overwhelming soundtrack is quite euphoric for me.

Next, I return to the American reviewer's comment on the language use. This person finds it difficult to understand. Well I find it hard to understand you. I don't give films like Lord of the Rings and Gladiator bad ratings because the blokes in it talk like utter ponces, chances are it's the sort of iffy talk they used, or at least it defines what sort of film it is, whatever... As does the language in this - sort of, I think this film is more convoluted than that.

The thing is, the language used in Dead Man's Shoes is totally accurate and bound into it's context... Which I guess Meadows would know well seeing as he comes from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Which is rather close to the area it was made in. So for the silly American(s) - there may be more. Don't be so damn biased.

Continuing. The film in itself is rather shocking. Rather humorous. A lot like A Room for Romeo Brass and his latest film This is England the feelings provoked by this film are a mixed bag. I don't know whether to laugh at the absurdity. Cry at the emotion and power of it's portrayal or just sit indifferently not knowing what to do.

Considine, also a midlander, is excellent as Richard. The obsessed ex-army soldier seeking revenge upon those responsible for the demise of his brother. He is utterly chilling, and I note, perhaps one of the finest British talents available today.

-

I'm not sure whether I can persuade you to watch it. All I can do is tell you it is a totally astounding picture, full of realistic performances and events.

Seriously, I know of small 'drug dealing' thugs in this area (Especially 'Herbie' my Uncle reminds me of him, no kidding) - Also it may interest you to know that the 'guy in the suitcase' murder also happens. Seriously, it was in the news that in the the village of Ambergate (which is adjacent to Matlock), parts of someone's body were found in a suitcase in the woods there. Obviously murdered. They caught him, I think... I'm not sure if that real life incident was inspiration or anything, still this shows that this film is surprisingly realistic.

I know I'm rambling But...

...I just felt I oughta say something, there's a lot of griping about this film, and as it is one of my favourites I feel it deserves defending. I especially dislike the inferiority complexes for it compared with Get Carter. I don't believe this is justified, this film is very different to Get Carter - mainly due to Richard's brother pertaining far more innocence in his character than what the fallen brother in Get Carter did (I forget the name, meh). It may hold similar themes, but the portrayal of each is utterly different, and I say that Dead Man's Shoes is portrayed with more alarming detail for plot and character depth than Get Carter ever was. --- I AM NOT SAYING GET CARTER IS A BAD FILM. I REALLY LIKE THIS FILM TOO. BUT DEAD MAN'S SHOES WINS!

To the person who also said this film is no better than a snuff film for it's horrible portrayal of cruelty to the mentally challenged, two things. 1: I'm afraid this happens, I've seen it, heck I've stopped it. It happens. 2: The film may give a stark horrible impression with this theme, but that's part of it's power. If you feel sympathy for Anthony (which I'd imagine most viewers do) you're half way to understanding Richard's revenge, half way to condoning the actions he executes, and half way still to being immersed into emotions of sheer power that you don't know how to comprehend, emotions you most likely want to deny, but can't. That's perhaps it's most powerful asset. The fact it saps a total mixed bag of feelings, the fact it ties you in knots - something Get Carter could never achieve.

Continuing to rival critical points aimed at this film and perhaps try and convince those who haven't seen it to do so. It seriously is worth the effort.

The plot may be 'slow' but it's precise. It is is exacting, and cold. It isn't like this was thought up on the spot, a lot of work went into making this what it is, the locations picked carefully, the action paced correctly, the surrounding events that make the characters who they are, and give them their motives and emotions superbly incorporated into the creation of this narrative. It is a film of realistic dialogue, as some one commented on too much swearing - I'm afraid that's how much we swear around here. Well most people I know do. If you can't accept the context, I guess you won't accept the film. Which as far as accuracy, story and just about every other aspect is concerned is well, as the word is often misused, but not in this case - A masterpiece.

It really is sublime in it's execution, but most certainly only for a certain audience with the guts to match this film's intensity.

Please see it. Be open minded and give it a chance. It is golden.

Hugh Jackman has come a long way. So has Christian Bale. Their acting talents are clearly on show in this awesome film.

The Prestige is about two rivals magicians trying to better one another with a series of tricks that will lead to a fight for the final, ultimate trick. A trick they will be remembered for. It follows Hugh Jackman (Angiers) as he tries to understand how on earth his nemesis Christian Bale (Boarden) has created the 'best trick he has ever seen.' - The Transported Man...

He desperately tries to imitate it, but can never seem to get it right... And soon it becomes clear that he will go to alarming lengths to find the secret...

An amazing storyline, a powerful unique plot. An ending with amazing twists to die for. Realistic, dramatic performances from an outstanding cast... Including support from Scarlett Johanssen, David Bowie and the superb Michael Caine as Cutter...

I really enjoyed this film...

My favourite bit... May spoil it a little...

Angiers has completed his diabolical scheme to defeat his rival... And Michael Caine confronts him. Before an amazing twist in the story comes, watch closely... Or you'll never spot it...

They talk--- Cutter: Remember I told you what the sailor said about drowning? Angiers: He said it was like going home... Cutter: I lied. He said, it was agony.

As dramatic as Brando's taxi scene and as conclusive to this film as I think you could get... Except of course for the brilliant twist that follows... Of course... You may know what I mean by this if you've seen it, and if not then oh well. Look closer next time...

I highly rate this film, and only a little common sense in me has refrained me from giving it a 10/10 - Although it may deserve such a rating... Who knows? Tra.

It's a very good, and very well made sci-fi classic.

It has it's own style and feel to it, and unlike most sci-fi films it doesn't stretch the boundaries of human knowledge and lend siege to a bunch of aliens or space fights or whatever. It lays down themes that although seem a million light years away, are in fact maybe closer to our time than we first thought.

It's a story of the blade runner, played by Harrison Ford hunting down 4 humanoid rebels trying to find their creator, with a bit of killing along the way.

With a riveting story, depth to characters and amazing memorable acting from Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Joe Turkel and most of all the superb Rutger Hauer.

I think it is only suffice to say that this film is a marvel of it's genre and with criticism and technicalities aside I think you cannot argue that this film is great in all proportions.

A Korean platoon mixed up in the Vietnam war is sent to a desolate island known as R-Point on a simple search and rescue mission, to recover the whereabouts of a troop, that has gone missing 6 months prior.

Along with a hard-nosed Lieutenant and a motley crew of untrained soldiers, straight from the syphilis clinic, they arrive at the island with the notion that the simple endeavour will be complete within 5 day.

On entering the main part of the island, past the bamboo forest and past the odd burial stones that state: "Those with blood on their hands, will not return."

And that is true, as the isolated, and deserted island suddenly begins to transform into a strange place in which eerie ghosts seem to stalk the platoons movements, and supernatural activity wreaks havoc. At first coming in small doses, with a few cliché uses of terror techniques, like the camera slowly edging up behind some platoon members taking a dump in the long grass, giving you the feeling they are being approached by something bad. In fact it's only a platoon member. And the uses of extremely eerie settings.

The climax is to die for though. As the platoon discover that the soldiers they are looking for are brown bread, and that the American soldiers who visited a few nights prior are too. Although, it seems like they've been like that for some time. Ghosts. But not your average ghosts. The soul taking, watchful entities scaring the living bajesus out of everyone.

And of course, death comes in droves. This stylish film is quite predictable with it's cliché antics, yet you won't figure it out quickly. It's imaginative, and dare I say it - original.

The ending is brilliant, chock full of moody effects, and excellent scare tactics. The acting is believable and harrowing, especially with the Lieutenant being so damn nonchalant and controlled about the whole thing. He should've been less cocky, but nonetheless his character portrays a stereotypical look at the hard men of the armed forces, and yet with the other bog-standard privates in the mix it kind of shows that no one can evade their fear.

Taking inspiration - and taking it well - from other war and horror classics such as - Apocalypse Now, Night Watch, Below etc this film encompasses a steady array of moving imagery and a story that is quite simply amazing. It deserves 8 for a bunch of clichés it didn't need to include. But other than that small thing, I give it applause and respect. I urge you do the same... woop a doop doop

I think Frank Darabont loves Stephen King. That's not a bad thing though. He's made Shawshank and this cracking film, and well they are amazing.

He creates a harrowing, dark yet at the same time a rather sweet little film and I think it's all nice.

The story, well a guy with basically the hands of god is accused of murdering two young girls and set on death row. Throughout his time in the clink he forms close bonds with a number of the prison workers and demonstrates his amazing power to them. With a few other screwballs on the green mile, notably Billy the Kid who is the worst of the bunch.

Tom Hanks plays the main warden who takes the guy, John Coffey (A brilliant Michael Clarke Duncan) by his word and attempts to find out more about the giant man's healing ability.

By the end you get to know that it wasn't Johnkilling the girls, but more over he was trying to cure them. But they had gone. The heart-shattering performance is what gives the film the edge, and it's final execution scene by the wardens, even though they know in their hearts that John is innocent, yet they cannot prove it makes them weep. And it is this, the dramatic climax that gets you to appreciate the force of this thoroughly imaginative film. I salute it, it is amazing.

Although, not as good as the book, still damn worthy of praise...

This is a strong film. And it's remake Vanilla Sky although liked by many, still seems a little tame to me.

Open your Eyes. Made in Spain, incorporates better acting, better locations, and a far deeper look at the whole, lucid dream theme.

The fact it is accompanied with subtitles is also, quite oddly, a good thing, not just because you can actually understand it, but because you pay more attention to a film you're reading, than one you're watching. Overall this creates a far more rewarding experience, and the overall impact of this picture is quite impressive.

An original, thoroughly imaginative film that I highly recommend.

Gracias :)

It's the story of a man. He's falling from a skyscraper and all the way down as he passes each floor, he keeps saying to himself. "So far so good, so far so good, so far so good." how you fall doesn't matter. But it's how you land...

And with this the premise is set with a trio of Parisian hoods bent on revenge for an unjustly beaten brother. Blinded by hate the three spiral in on each other looking for redemption. Each through different gains. Vinz (played by the superb Vincent Cassel) is the rough and tumble of the group, who has chanced on a loaded 44. magnum dropped by a police officer in one of the many riots taking place in their neighbourhood, which is by all correct definitions of the word - a war zone.

With Sayid and Hubert in toe, he hatches his desire to gun down a cop with his own gun. To gain the highest of respect and to satisfy his rage which slowly builds throughout this one fateful day.

It's quite a shattering picture. Shot in a brash black and white, and with plenty of referral to other movies.

Example: Taxi Driver - Vinz in the mirror, fingers splayed like a gun... "Are you talking to me?" Scarface - A constant - The world is yours poster wherever they roam Raging Bull - Black n White, with boxing thrown in at some intervals. Cape Fear - Smoking cheekily in a cinema...

but it ain't a thief. It's a great user of such pictures. Sort of playing homage to the heights of violent cinema, but always remaining original, thought-provoking and splattered with some scathing humour. It's brilliant in a word. And worthy of applause.

Japanese cinema at it's best.

Battle Royale is amazing. A relentless film about the falling school system in Japan, and the murderous BR act designed to solve the woes of society.

It follows a bus full of students who are gassed and then taken to an island. They wake up in a building all dazed and confused wondering where they are, and to find two new people who are obviously students, but don't belong to their school.

Then in comes the military, and an old school teacher to inform them of todays lesson. Battle Royale.

They are told the rules: *There are collars around their neck, if they try and remove them by any means, they will explode and kill them. *They are set to go out into the island with bags of kit they need, and then they are to kill each other, until only one remains. *If everyone has not been killed within 3 days, the game will end and all collars will explode. Meaning no winners. *During play danger zones will be activated. If in one for too long, the collars will explode - designed to make them enter the same zones, so they get opportunity to kill. *They will have random weapons.

---

After the very 'classroom' like introduction from the teacher, they are sent out into the island with their bags. All 42 of them.

Some take to the battle straight away, killing to survive, but often becoming victims themselves. Other commit suicide, refusing to fight. One trio (our main group of protagonist students) take off together with the idea of staying alive, without killing. There are also two psychopathic individuals, hunting for kills - for thrills.

---

The theme of the film is easy to understand, and the killing is a lot of fun to watch, in a sick sort of way. The plot is intriguing, as you are always wondering how it will end.

I'm not gonna spoil that though. It's a pretty weird ending though.

The final point about the film is, that I like how it moves on reverting back and forth from specific character's requiems of the past. It not only gives more depth to the players, but also helps establish who we like and want to survive. and who we hate and want to die.

It's amazing, provoking and imaginative. Highly recommended.

Yep. If this was a book it my be the case. But it's a film. It's a good one too. A film that's funny and gripping with many good fight scenes and moments of pure hilarity. Martin Blank is going to his high school reunion. He's a professional hit-man and whilst he's back in Grosse Point he's also on the job, trying to assassinate a rich stiff, who turns out to be his old school squeeze's father. So. Dilemma. Kill or not to kill that is the question. And with a bunch of hit men also trying to kill him he's got quite a bit on his plate. Although the film is focused on death and killing it does it in such a light-hearted tone. With scathing humour underlining every scene, it's funny, it remorseless, it's not for the faint-hearted, it's got John Cusack and Minnie Driver in it. It's Grosse Point Blank

An undiluted look at humans out for revenge. An unsparing look into what atrocities humans are capable of. An unflinching sick and perverse insight into the horrors of rape, assault, murder and love as we follow three people on a downward spiral, that is twisting and writhing in all directions... Alex (Monica Belucci) is sadistically raped on the way home from a party. Marcus (Vincent Cassel) her boyfriend tormented by this horrid event has sworn to find the one responsible. Pierre (Albert Dupontel) is the witness watching over his uncontrollable friend as he walks a path of destruction to the perpetrator... With Gaspar Noe directing with eye-aching camera twists, vibrant colours and shocking imagery this film tells it's story in unhinged ways. Proceeding backwards like 'Memento' but not in the same clear cut manner. With parts seeming to be in places where you didn't think they should be, this film makes you seriously consider what processes were undertaken to make it, as it moves in an unpredictable way, towards it's end/or is it the beginning? It is unlike anything you will ever see, and it is certainly not for those with weak dispositions. It surely is a masterful film for those strong enough to see it. But beware its intrigue, beware its anguish, beware its lure for it is certain that you will think about it. And once you've thought about it, it cannot be unthought, it will stay with you in mind, possibly haunting you on some lonely occasions, as the title suggests it is a film of events and effects that are truly - IRREVERSIBLE...

This is a classic war movie. One of the best, a stark image fest of flashing lights, harrowing dark backgrounds and helicopter blades morphing into ceiling fans. A star-studded spectacle of immense power.

Martin Sheen is a mercenary sent up river to assassinate the general gone astray, a sadistic dictator played beyond belief by the great Marlon Brando. Also along for the ride are, Robert Duvall as an over the top DI with a penchant for "napalm in the morning" or at least the smell of it. Dennis Hopper is an edgy photojournalist with a view slanted views about the war and about his leader. Also in this amazing film you'll see up and coming stars such as Laurence Fishburne, R. Lee Ermey, Sam Bottoms, Albert Hall and keep an eye out for Harrison Ford too...

Behind the lens is Francis Ford Coppolla delivering a film with maybe more intensity and drama than the acclaimed Godfather films, he highlights war in it's most basic form, which for the most part is something you can't see, you can only feel it, as the boat carries on up river the feeling of the war tightening in is quite unbearable. The feeling of this is a rather claustrophobic feeling and really makes for unusual moods from the viewers. Honestly no films has ever made me feel like that.

Criticism is hard to find. The biggest qualm from some is that Brando earned tons of money for a ten minute role, but in all fairness this is unjustified. It was money well earned, a role that physically restricted him, being at the time an unwell man, and a role that he really made his own. I can't picture anyone better for the role. And if you get the Apocalypse Now Redux version, there's some extra bits of the great man, and I think the Redux does make the film miles better.

Final impressions are that if you are lucky to get the Redux version then you will be blessed with a completely satisfying film with a cool 49 minutes extra footage. If not, then still you won't be disappointed, this film is up there with the best, and deserves some great recognition, and a firm place as one of the top 50 films ever made...

A film of supremacy.

David Cronenberg's latest film is a blockbuster of all proportions. It involves a bunch of themes that a sick guy like him would take advantage of with pride. And he does.

Viggo Mortenson stars as Tom Stall. A quiet man in American suburbia who owns a profitable diner, and has a blooming family.

But then one day, he is confronted by a couple of store robbers who insist on inflicting as much punishment as they can whilst doing it. But Tom Stall isn't about to let his friends get hurt, he leaps into action, saving the day in a profoundly brutal manner.

As a result the media circus begins, shining light on Tom as a modern day American hero. As quaint as it all seems, this triggers off the rest of the story.

In comes Ed Harris, as the mysterious and scary Mr Fogaty (sp.) a Pillie man who insists that Tom is an old 'friend' back from Philadelphia, and that he must come home.

Tom however contests his identity. He isn't Joey, he is Tom... But as the film plunders on, it seems that his battle against these mob-men is getting quite heated, as they stalk his house and family.

Eventually comes the showdown between the lot of them. As the mob move in, taking Tom's son, and insisting he comes 'for a ride.' Once again, it's brutal action again. As Tom slays these men right in front of his family - not without a little assistance from his son Jack, at the last moment.

Jack, being quite a key character as he throughout the film, enjoys violence as well. As he beats up his school adversary, and also blows Mr. Fogaty away. This shows a 'running in the family' kind of thing. And illustrates violence as being, only for those brought up with it.

The final confrontation between Tom/Joey and his old past becomes apparent in the final quarter as he travels 'home' to meet his brother, and settle things once and for all.

--- With a great moving story, which is both slow and fast paced it incorporates it's themes of violence, redemption, father-son bonding, brotherly love/hate, family, love and most of all the past inflicting the future making for a hell of an intelligent and deep picture.

With a strong cast including already mentioned Mortenson and Harris, but also Maria Bello as Tom's wife, and William Hurt as his long lost elder brother. The talent on show is great, and I love how this film, is always teetering on the edge of being surreal and ridiculous, but always a little realistic.

With amazingly gory special effects to boot, this film would be offended if it was called anything but great. Because it is, and I highly recommend you see it.

This is one of the most astonishing films I have ever seen. For starters, what a title. Requiem for a Dream, isn't that just the best sounding film title ever? I'll say it again - Requiem for a Dream, with a title like that you know it'll be good. And it is.

Starting in Summer with Harry Goldfarb (A never better Jared Leto) stealing his mother's TV set to satisfy his heroine addiction it sets the scene for four people inextricably tied together in similar events.

Jennifer Connelly plays Marion Silver. Harry's girlfriend who has been brought up in a rich family but yearns to be free, and so flees with Harry and his best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) as they try to make the big score and makes some money for a great future.

Ellen Burstyn is brilliant a Sarah Goldfarb (Harry's mother). A lonely, old widow fixated upon appearing on television and on a diet so she can fit into her favourite red dress. To satisfy her desire she goes on diet pills, but as she faces more loneliness and fear of dying a nobody, she decides to take her diet into the insane and takes more pills than she is supposed to.

Elsewhere Harry and Ty's drug deal goes sour with the street drying up with no means to buy and no means to get rich. They fall apart, and the midpoint of this film is the key part.

With summer drawing to a close things start to turn bad noticeably, particularly in the scene in which Harry visits his mother. They sit and at first they have general chit-chat about marriage and happiness, but then as Harry realises his mother is on pills, and is grinding her teeth and being quite jittery through their effect, he says:

"Hey ma. You on uppers?" The camera swings inside, from what was once on the light side of the characters face, is now on the dark as the camera (ingeniously by the DA, and quite unnioticably - you must listen to the commentary) switches to show the darkness on the other side of Harry's face... It's quite a simple yet rather good technique, and the motive for the camera swing is quite elementary but the way it is pulled off is something else. Your average film watcher wouldn't have seen the relevance in such a movement, but now some of the motives are understood, thanks to the excellent commentary on the disc, it brings the whole rating of the film soaring. It really is that good, it is made with flair and imagination up there with the greatest of all film-makers, it is superb and original. It also sets the stage for the whole theme of the film, the notion of each person moving forwards as each one tries to hunt for their vision of happiness, but don't realise that by holding onto it so hard they lose their sense of reality and danger follows, and as summer fades into memory, the problems start to appear, and they begin to FALL. How far from their dreams they become is almost unbearable. But this fall makes for totally mesmerising and fantastic viewing pleasure. It is excellent. And the whole rise and fall is marked upon with fantastic skill. The contrasting, before and after is sublime.

Set to the tone of the Kronos String Quartet and some excellent pieces by Clint Mansell this film is backed up by powerful direction which incorporates a souring mood that gets all the more sombre scene by scene.

I can honestly say you won't find much better in the year 2000 and it is in my opinion the best film of the last two decades. Darren Aronofsky shows deep imagination in adapting Hubert Selby Jr's novel, but he makes the film his own, and it is a case of film being better than book. It is a truly harrowing accompaniment of fantastic acting, mind bending direction, shocking imagery, totally great dialogue and moods that have not been more powerfully portrayed in any other film ever. It is a true definer of the genre Drama, and all films of similar character can be judged alongside it. I suggest, beg and implore you to watch it and I tell you with total confidence that this is an absolutely, 100% bona fide marvel of cinematic perfection.

Maybe I went too far, but I feel it. It's totally brilliant, on a great disc to match. If it was free on the NHS then it would be the best ever. :)

This is one of the weirdest films I have seen. It's an ultimate tale about the Tall Man. An alien figure who's knocking about with his killer spheres, bumping of the locals and shrinking them down into dwarf zombie things with a penchant fro blood and a usage of slavery on the Tall Man's home planet, accessible through a portal found in the Morningside mausoleum. But three people are on his tracks. Reg, Mike and Jody have stumbled upon his corpse robbing antics and aim to put a stop to his deeds. But with a bunch of killer spheres after them and dwarfs galore it's easier said than done. I ain't gonna tell you explicitly what happens, you must find out yourself. It's well worth the enigmatic experience and I suggest even more you buy the box set. The limited edition sphere box set in which you get a super cool sphere box, in which all four films and a fifth special features disc are kept inside. It is a great ornamental piece that makes the whole film experience better. Wonderful.

Yes you do. Stark words straight from the beginning of the film... and exceptional acting from another, and the first masterpiece from the Scorsese and DeNiro partnership. It is a brilliant portrayal of the harsh reality of the NY streets and the squeeze that was administered to all levels of society. Johnny Boy played by DeNiro is in debt to a bunch of wiseguys who don't want to wait no more. Harvey Kietel is his accomplice trying to win him time and dignity by trying to help him with it, but of course on the mean streets of NY the underdog rarely comes through. Memorable scenes punctuate the film, from conversation in a church yard, a brawl in a pool hall to the final car crash and demise of Johnny and his pals... It is a blunt and unsparing crime film and one that is often (in my opinion) underrated and unseen in the midst of Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas which are better films, but seem to diminish the attention that Mean Streets deserves. It is a great film, and it will undoubtedly go down in history. You'd better watch it.

This was quite an interesting film and definitely funny as Jim Carrey (Overactor No. 1) stars as the manic Cable Guy. All he wants is a friend, so when he turns up to install cable TV for a bloke named Stephen (Matthew Broderick) he decides to get a friend. But Stephen is not in any need for new friends, but as The Cable Guy turns stalker and gets progressively weird, it seems that Stephen won't get rid of him easily. With some hilariously entertaining scenes such as a medieval battle between the two at a fun role play restaurant. The laughs are quite frequent and the overacting from Carrey is very enjoyable, he quite visibly gives it his all, and in a film where just about everything is quite surreal and odd it just ensures that you'll be able to sit for a couple of hours totally happy whilst laughing without control at this really funny man.

And he also misquotes The Silence of the Lambs... he says "Hello Clarice" when it should be "Good evening Clarice" - for me this mans the loss of a point, but also illustrates that the makers are not God??!!

American Werewolf is a riot.

Two young American backpackers are hiking around the British moorlands. They are dropped off in a remote village in Yorkshire and enter a public house called the Slaughtered Lamb, with a picture of a huge, blood-drooling wolf on the board. You know from that exact moment things aren't going to be pleasant. After entering they a received with contempt by the group of exclusive villagers. Outsiders being considered rather unwelcome, and for good reason, after a small sit down inside they leave, with strict warning from the villagers: "Stay clear of the moors. And beware the moon." They leave. It is pitch black, and the moon is full. Unaware of where they are going, they trek out, rather stupidly onto open fields. Soon enough they're on the moors, and all around a perilous howl is heard, echoing from all directions. It is even heard back at the public house, the villagers terrified and guilty. Knowing they just sent the young men to their doom. Next comes the carnage as after a tense session of stalking the wolf finally strikes. Killing one of the lads (Jack, played by Griffin Dunne) and almost killing David (David Naughton) if not for the villagers turning up to blast the beast away with a heavy gun. --- Injured, David awakes in hospital. In London. The story given by villagers being that an escaped mental patient tried to kill them. David knows better. --- He recuperates some. He's visited by Jack's decaying corpse who is stuck in limbo. The werewolf's curse must be broken, the remaining part of it's bloodline must die. Unfortunately for David it is him, he's survived the attack, but is now cursed to become a beast on the next full moon. According to Jack. David doesn't believe him, and after being taken home by the hospital's nurse, he seems to be fairing well. But the next full moon arises, and he transforms whilst the nurse is out, and goes on a rampage. --- No he believes, and must stop himself. Unfortunately he hasn't the nerve to commit suicide, and as the next night comes, he transforms again, amidst the busy bustling lights of London's Piccadilly Circus. After a chaotic car crash sequence and a chase into the dark London back alleys of which the beast is finally slain, and the film ends. ---

This film is as stated. It seems scary, but is dotted with scathing humour, and some of the most memorable horror moments I can imagine. With daring scenes, shot in real life locations, this film is a amazing, it helped advance film make-up to where it had never been before, of which real, before your eyes man-to-beast transformation can be seen.

An masterpiece of cinema accomplishment, and of comic horror that is laugh-out-loud funny, and spine-chillingly scary. Fantastic.

Misery is a classic portrayal of top notch tension, and it is up there with such Hitchcock nerve-snapping classics that genuinely grab you by the jugular and don't let go. It is a film for thriller fans, although I warn that it is not for the squeamish, it has limited amounts of violence in it but when it gets going it sure hits you. For the first part of the film you feel all relaxed, and you begin to feel that maybe everything will be alright and that everything you've heard about the film is a load of old cobblers, you think she will heal his horrendous injuries and then release him... but still nothing is further from the truth. After a while you begin to get the signs that everything is not good. It has gone a bit sour, and as you watch the helpless Paul Sheldon (James Caan) try to escape you grind your teeth and bite your nails as he narrowly escapes being caught by his captor Annie Wilkes (played remarkably by Oscar winner Kathy Bates) as he tries to find ways out, and looks around the house she is holding him in whilst she is out shopping and do other such like activities. But why? Well Paul Sheldon is a novelist who has written a string of very successful stories about a heroine named Misery... Hence the name, although I guess there are other reasons for such a title. In his latest edition he has killed her off, and naturally Annie is not best pleased, she is paranoid, and outraged that Paul should write such a book, which as of yet he has not published, so she gets him to burn it and write a new book especially for her. After a while it gets a bit routine, you think she will hold him and then let him go as soon as the book is complete, yet something else is lurking. She is not just holding him to write a book whilst he gets better, but she is getting totally obsessed, and by the time he is getting back to health and he is about ready to go as the book is just about finished she snaps... Wanting to keep him she resorts to the infamous sledgehammer and... well you get the picture. The ending is quite fantastic and the overall impact of this brilliant film is quite overwhelming. It is a very good film with many resounding qualities, but still with flaws it being pretty decent but still pretty lax adaptation of what is a true Stephen Knig masterpiece it can only languish at 8/10. I guess it is hard to do justice by such a great book and I think that sure this film is well worth a few viewing, but there is more pleasure in reading the book than there is in watching the film.

A classic hip thriller surrounding a world where crime lords run the show and cops can only try and keep up with the pace. "walk out in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner" That's how the game is played. Criminals have to stay ahead of the heat and plan in advance to get away with whatever they can. First they strike an armoured van, then a bank heist. They do whatever they can, they are hi-tech and infinitely smart. Robert DeNiro is Niel McCauley the leader of a motley crew of criminals who think they're better than the law, and smarter than the cops. As the film goes on they get into bigger things, the heat gets turned up and they even begin to stalk the cops, not have the cops stalking them. But every game must have an ending, and even though DeNiro is on the verge of getting out, he can't help himself and so he begrudgingly gets back in on the business with the intention of killing a piece of scum killer who used to be a part of his gang. Al Pacino is Vincent Hanna a top notch cop who wants nothing more than to bang up his nemesis, but cannot find enough evidence to support his case. But as DeNiro gets back in he takes an even bigger risk, that exposes him to the full force of the heat, and Pacino is ready for a final showdown. A showdown of courage, guns, and willpower. Honestly this film is brilliant, tense and taut and not form the faint hearted. It is nonetheless fantastic and even Val Kilmer's thrown in to add to the bang. Michael Mann shows flair in probably his best ever film. It is a long three hour epic, but it is also a great film to watch over and over again.

We have a great film here. Original, taut, and quite provocative. This is what happens when you are set amongst the sharks, those money grabbing colleagues who you have to obey, and it is also what happens when they send you to far. Well maybe not, but it's still quite imaginative and cool with Frank Whalley (who notably played Brett, whom Samuel L. Jackson shot in Pulp Fiction) this time playing Guy, a fresh out of film school graduate up for a clean break, and that's what he gets when he's recruited by Buddy Ackerman, the VP of Keystone film productions and has now got to meet his new boss' every needs. Which is to make coffee, take phone calls, and not use his own brain. But with each minor mistake comes big insults, and with a complicated love triangle comes disaster as Guy holds him Buddy hostage and proceeds to interrogate him into why he insists on making his life a misery. The ending is quite good, and revealing and it is very cold in it's own little way. Frank Whalley is great as the undignified, runt of an employee who is constantly being humiliated, and Kevin Spacey is even better as his cynical, cold boss. Benicio Del Toro and Michelle Forbes offer sound support and this film is a great way to spend an hour or so.