Trollhunter

Who knew that trolls could actually be scary? This cool faux documentary follows a group of students who get caught up in the exploits of Norway’s only government-sanctioned troll hunter. It feels quite genuine and the effects work well with the hand-held immediacy of the footage. A unique addition to the ‘found-footage’ genre. If you […]

Quarantine 2

Nice addition to the zombie/collapse-of-society genre. Some intense moments and decent makeup/gore effects are complimented by a capable cast and well-suited environment. The manner in which it’s a sequel is ‘inspired’ as well with a good tie-in/extension on the first film that hints at a far more epic catastrophe that we only get to see […]

Salt

A decent, if far-fetched, espionage thriller with a fast pace and some creative action setups. Jolie does the ‘Bourne’ character thing well with a good dose of physical acting and some nifty stunt work. Admittedly, the end is a bit underwhelming but everything leading up to it makes for an effective ‘time waster’. Oh, and […]

Insidious

With a budget of apparently $1 000 000, this flick delivers some damn good ‘jumps’ and an effectively creepy atmosphere. Every dollar of the microscopic budget is on the screen and it works well as an addition to the haunted house genre. The cast seems dedicated and it works in the movie’s favor, as does […]

A Lonely Place to Die

A tense, beautifully shot suspense thriller with good pacing and some nasty ‘didn’t see that coming’ moments of graphic violence. The narrative reminded me of The Descent, with nice ‘fleshing out’ of the characters before the grit begins. Some very impressive stunt work to be seen as well. Definitely worth a look. January 3 at […]

Drive

Very interestingly toned crime drama with patient pacing and an 80’s tinged musical sensibility. Nicely cast with some good faces and subtle characterizations. The violence, when it happens, is brutal and creative. Slick, European art-house wrapping on a very American story. This is a smart movie for those who don’t need to be dazzled every […]

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Tintin is brought to glorious ‘life’, under Spielberg’s expert direction. The animation compliments the original comics while maintaining it’s own flavor. Fans of the books will pick out a good number of subtle references amongst the dizzying action and well timed humor. The characters work nicely, as does the pacing. Very much ‘quality’ escapist entertainment. […]

Scream 4

If you like the Scream series, you’ll like the latest addition. Actually improves on the 3rd one. Some inventive twists and cool, gory kills (plus some sweet cameos) certainly make this one a decent ‘watch’. Doubtful there’ll be another, but at least this one doesn’t embarrass the rest…by a long shot. December 10, 2011 at […]

Hanna

Very cool espionage story with a unique tone and clever writing. The acting’s no slouch either. Well cut action and a sweet musical score by The Chemical Bros. nicely fill this one out. Hanna is sort of a Teenage Female Jason Bourne…and she kicks ass. Very much worth seeing. December 10, 2011 at 1:53pm

5 Days of War

Surprisingly mature ‘reporters in war’ story from director Renny Harlin; set in the recent Georgian/Russo conflict. Large scale details are handled quite well and a gritty unpleasantness is well conveyed. A few moments of cheese and a needless romantic subplot don’t get in the way of the overall ‘gravity’. Very much worth a look. December […]