in bruges (2008)
i picked this up as a case of light entertainment post-changeling, and while i didnt expect much, it really impressed. it also contains possibly the finest joke heard in a fim this year, in the shape of – “what is belgium famous for?” chocolate and child murderers, and they only made the chocolate to attract … Read more
changeling (2008)
my recent season of eastwood films comes to an end with the theatrical release of ”changeling”. one could be excused for going into ”changeling” expecting the angelina jolie-fest advertised within the pre-film press, alas i was surprised to find that the film was more of an ensemble piece than anything. and an incredibly well made … Read more
blow up (1966)
my first experience with antonioni proved a great one (inspiring the decision to pick up his “the passenger” and “red desert” off of the back of this successful viewing!). a filmmaker that i had never been greatly attracted to, antonioni has always alluded me in the past, with blow up long being criminally ignored as … Read more
coogan’s bluff (1968)
early-era eastwood that satisfies greatly. i would say more, but frankly im a little bit worn out when it comes to discussing eastwood at the moment!
the enforcer (1976)
eastwood’s third outing as dirty harry see’s our eponymous hero dealing with such arduous challenges as discrimination and progression. for here we see harry partnered with a female inspector whilst having to deal with a gang of socialist terrorists. kinda. its fairly confusing as to what exactly the terrorists represent, but its some sort of … Read more
wall-e (2008)
having seen wall-e upon its original release i knew exactly what to expect, but still anticipated a second viewing greatly. wall-e is such an endearing character that much has already been written about it, so to delve into that aspect is fairly unnecessary, alas i will simply add that a more empathetic and charming computer … Read more
blindness (2008)
fernando meirelles follow up ‘city of god’ (2002) and ‘the constant gardener’ (2005) is a miraculous piece of cinema. from what must go down as one of the most terrifying opening scenes in modern cinema, through to the joyful climax i was thoroughly gripped. i wanted to let the film lie for a while before … Read more
bronco billy (1980)
when i set out on the current task of working through the back catalogue of clint eastwood i knew that the job would involve some dubious pictures, largely in the shape of an orangutan named clyde. i have to admit that i lumped bronco billy in with the wave of eighties eastwood films that were … Read more
body of lies (2008)
a surprisingly enjoyable post 9/11 thriller directed by the increasingly dull ridley scott. leonardo dicaprio is always great, and was here, with russell crowe on good, if not outstanding form as dicaprio’s modern day wingman. boston doubling for manchester is slightly dubious, and the politics are rather suspect, especially when you consider that this is … Read more
joe kidd (1972)
fairly average mid-career eastwood, ably directed by john sturges. while the film is plenty entertaining, its hardly revolutionary cinema.
