Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 76%
| The Informant! (2009) | "
Powered by a convincing Matt Damon, The Informant! is a quick-on-its feet comedy that never outstays its welcome. If it has a problem, it's that it's neither funny enough nor emotionally resonant to make a truly lasting impact." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 20, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Rotten 54%
| The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) | "
A competent, polished outing for Heslov and his cast. But despite its undoubted qualities, its slightly smug attitude means it never quite matches the bite of earlier military satires." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 6, 2009 |
Rotten 3/5
| Rotten 12%
| Couples Retreat (2009) | "
Rather like an unsuitable partner, Couples Retreat starts out fun before gradually getting annoying and then becoming downright aggravating. While it's not the worst film ever, there are times when it feels as irritating as sunburn." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 16, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 18%
| Love Happens (2009) | "
As a romance story, Love Happens is nothing special, with the spark between Eckhart and Aniston almost non-existent. But as a drama about grief, it's much more interesting, though the blend of both does not always sit easily." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 9, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 94%
| Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee (2009) | "
The plot is threadbare and the style is knockabout, but the improvisation, especially that of Considine, lends it an energy and spirit that's hard to resist." — Filmstar Magazine Posted Oct 9, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 100%
| The Army of Crime (2009) | "
Complex and striking, Guédiguian's film is an impressive new spin on a topic that has been oft explored." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 4, 2009 |
Rotten 2/5
| Rotten 10%
| My Life in Ruins (2009) | "
It's a bit like ouzo: seems like fun at the time but you'll no doubt regret it in the morning." — Filmstar Magazine Posted Oct 4, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 100%
| The Army of Crime (2009) | "
As a tribute to these fearless freedom fighters, it's a worthy effort - and as a welcome, and sobering, antidote to the knockabout silliness of Inglourious Basterds, you couldn't really get any better." — Filmstar Magazine Posted Oct 4, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Rotten 55%
| The Soloist (2009) | "
The Soloist brings to life its story with genuine compassion, neatly avoiding many of the traps that afflict Hollywood films about mental illness. And Jamie Foxx's transformation will simply astound." — Channel 4 Film Posted Sep 25, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 38%
| The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) | "
Crystallized by the functional - rather than fantastic - turns by its two leads, The Time Traveler's Wife never really takes flight. While the film makes a decent enough date movie, you'll find it will disappear from your mind before too long." — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 14, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 65%
| Adam (2009) | "
A charming, quietly satisfying work, Adam is a commendable film. Sensitively written and directed by Mayer, it's given shape and dimensionality by Dancy, who delivers a tremendous performance that lends the film genuine humanity." — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 7, 2009 |
Rotten 2/5
| Rotten 52%
| The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) | "
Featuring good work from the dependable Denzel, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is hampered by hyper-kinetic visuals from Scott, an over-zealous turn from Travolta and a thoughtless script from Brian Helgeland." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jul 31, 2009 |
Rotten 1/5
| Rotten 25%
| Charles Dickens' England () | "
The sort of film even an A-level student of Charles Dickens would find redundant, Julian Richards' slapdash effort is staggeringly inept at times. Best suited to television, it feels so archaic it certainly merits the moniker 'Dickensian'." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jul 24, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 85%
| Red Cliff (2009) | "
A highly impressive historical epic, Red Cliff shows just how John Woo got his mojo back after a bumpy ride in Hollywood. Full of stunning action sequences, the only shame is how the international version leaves westerners wanting more." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jun 12, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 78%
| The Hangover (2009) | "
Consistently funny, The Hangover proves you don't need a big-name Hollywood cast to get big laughs. Destined to appeal to the lads everywhere, that the film doesn't only resort to gross-out gags means female audiences should give it a go." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jun 12, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 88%
| Looking for Eric (2009) | "
With less of the grit but still plenty of the earthy humour Loach is renowned for, this walks the indie/ commercial line with assurance." — Total Film Posted Jun 12, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 66%
| Fugitive Pieces (2008) | "
Given the source novel, Podeswa's attempt to adapt Fugitive Pieces is admirable in itself. Yet despite an enthusiastic cast, this fails to transport you in the same way. Tying itself in narrative knots, the end result is stilted." — Channel 4 Film Posted May 29, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 84%
| The Mark of an Angel (2008) | "
A lot of effort is put into an intriguing first half by writer-director Nebbou. Unfortunately, this never quite pays off in the finale which fails to leave its mark on you." — Channel 4 Film Posted May 22, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 41%
| Fighting (2009) | "
Like a poor man's Fight Club, Fighting is hardly a heavyweight. But with an enjoyable performance from Terrence Howard, the film is no disaster." — Channel 4 Film Posted May 15, 2009 |
Fresh
| Fresh 72%
| Syriana (2005) | "
A film that treats its audience as adults, this is an extremely rewarding work that handsomely pays off the concentration required to watch it." — Channel 4 Film Posted Mar 30, 2009 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 58%
| The International (2009) | "
After a promising start, The International is an increasingly disappointing experience. Hampered by a weak script which peaks far too early, all that's left in the finale is a steely performance from Clive Owen. Mildly entertaining at best." — Channel 4 Film Posted Feb 27, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 77%
| Doubt (2008) | "
Intelligent and incisive, Doubt is a credible attempt by Shanley and his cast to adapt his play for the screen. Powered by finely tuned dialogue and performances, the result, while never explosive, is a gripping and engaging." — Channel 4 Film Posted Feb 5, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 93%
| Milk (2008) | "
As a portrait of Harvey Milk, Van Sant's film is a sincere work, bolstered by an unquestionably outstanding turn by Sean Penn. While some of the other actors don't match up, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise impressive piece." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jan 23, 2009 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 75%
| Love and Honour (2006) | "
Intricate, artfully constructed and utterly assured, Love And Honour is essential viewing for anyone who has seen Yamada's earlier samurai films. If you haven't, don't miss the chance to see what is a finely tuned example of the genre." — Channel 4 Film Posted Dec 12, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 54%
| What Just Happened (2008) | "
Compared to the likes of Adaptation and The Player, What Just Happened? is flyweight. De Niro is amiable enough in the lead role, but he's left to trot around a story that not so much bites the hand that feeds it as licks the palm." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 28, 2008 |
Rotten 2.5/5
| Rotten 34%
| Pride and Glory (2008) | "
Solid yet unremarkable, Pride And Glory will never win points for originality. With committed turns from Norton and Farrell, it does enough - just - to keep you interested. But this is one film that neither covers itself in pride or glory." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 7, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 51%
| Easy Virtue (2009) | "
Stephan Elliott's best film since Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, Easy Virtue should satisfy fans of Coward, despite its differences to the original. A pity then that, despite Biel's sprightly turn, it feels better suited to the small screen." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 7, 2008 |
Rotten 2/5
| Rotten 28%
| Eagle Eye (2008) | "
With a preposterous plot that does not bear close analysis, Eagle Eye should fall short. But such is the breakneck pace of proceedings the holes in the story zoom by too fast for you to notice. And for all its flaws, it's an enjoyable slice of hokum." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 17, 2008 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 91%
| Gomorrah (2009) | "
If you want to see a gangster film that isn't all about stylized violence, then Gomorrah is for you. More thoughtful than most gangland films, its attempt to show how organized crime has infiltrated every level of society is impressive." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 10, 2008 |
Fresh 3.5/5
| Fresh 95%
| Lost in Translation (2003) | "
Transcends its initial culture clash comic riffs to evolve into something altogether more moving by the end. As a result, it's a work of considerable power and pathos." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 5, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 49%
| Good Dick (2008) | "
A well-meaning comedy that undoes all its good work in the final act, Good Dick would've been better served with further development in the Sundance Lab. That said, Jason Ritter delivers a breakthrough performance that saves the film." — Channel 4 Film Posted Oct 3, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 68%
| Redbelt (2008) | "
By no means a classic from David Mamet, Redbelt is authentic enough but fails to dazzle. The casting of Tim Allen is imaginative but too much of the film is underwhelming." — Channel 4 Film Posted Sep 26, 2008 |
Rotten 1/5
| Rotten 36%
| Wild Child (2009) | "
The sort of film that real too-cool-for-school teens wouldn't be seen dead watching, Wild Child is aimed at those younger than its protagonists. Loud and obnoxious, like its lead character, it deserves to be expelled." — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 15, 2008 |
Fresh 4/5
| Rotten 49%
| CJ7 (2008) | With its fast action, cute critters and schoolyard antics, children and fans of Kung Fu Hustle should enjoy Stephen Chow's CJ7, which further cements his reputation as a commercially gifted director. — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 8, 2008 |
Fresh 3.5/5
| Fresh 69%
| Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) | "
Stiller gives one of his broadest and best performances to date, and the jokes ping around the screen as fast as the balls on the court." — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 5, 2008 |
Rotten 2.5/5
| Fresh 88%
| Girlfight (2000) | "
A bit of a lightweight." — Channel 4 Film Posted Aug 1, 2008 |
Fresh
| Rotten 43%
| National Treasure (2004) | "
Turteltaub manages to stitch it all together well enough so that the ludicrous nature of the characters' quest doesn't hit you until the final credits roll." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jul 23, 2008 |
Fresh
| Fresh 92%
| Metropolitan (1990) | "
As low-budget as the film looks, Stillman overcomes financial limitations by providing a learned script and eliciting polished performances." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jul 18, 2008 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 61%
| The New World (2005) | "
An epic retelling of the Pocahontas story that, despite its flaws, leaves you slack-jawed with wonder at times." — Channel 4 Film Posted Apr 28, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Fresh 64%
| Stop-Loss (2008) | "
Distancing Stop-Loss from other Iraq films by highlighting an American military tactic that has been little talked about, Peirce has crafted a credible but hardly outstanding effort that may disappoint those expecting another Boys Don't Cry." — Channel 4 Film Posted Apr 25, 2008 |
Rotten
| Rotten 27%
| Elizabethtown (2005) | "
Awash with sentimentality, this meandering tale falls way short of Crowe's usual standards." — Channel 4 Film Posted Apr 22, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 38%
| Flashbacks of a Fool (2008) | "
An uneven drama that uneasily mixes Hollywood satire and coming-of-age tale, Flashbacks Of A Fool is hampered by its adventurous attempt to link the two. Much like its central character, Walsh's film is stylish but empty." — Channel 4 Film Posted Apr 18, 2008 |
Fresh 4/5
| Rotten 59%
| Lonesome Jim (2006) | "
Minimalist, moody and morose, Lonesome Jim is a minor gem." — Channel 4 Film Posted Apr 11, 2008 |
Fresh
| Fresh 90%
| The Magdalene Sisters (2003) | "
A damning indictment of the Catholic Church that lingers in the mind long after if ends. Angry, compassionate but never hysterical, this a true cinematic achievement." — Channel 4 Film Posted Mar 11, 2008 |
Fresh
| Fresh 91%
| Million Dollar Baby (2004) | "
After the somewhat hysterical Mystic River - a flawed work dominated by a powerhouse performance from Sean Penn - this is a far more balanced piece, anchored by three terrific turns and some lean direction from Eastwood." — Channel 4 Film Posted Feb 20, 2008 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 85%
| Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) | "
Gruesomely satisfying, fans of both Burton and Sondheim are equally liable to be pleased with this marvelous meeting of minds. If the film sags a little at times, its technical prowess and superlative cast ensure we don't dwell on this for too long." — Channel 4 Film Posted Jan 24, 2008 |
Fresh 3/5
| Rotten 31%
| Chromophobia (2005) | "
Not quite the British Magnolia it wants to be, Chromophobia's melting pot plot is too often little more than overheated melodrama. But aided by Damian Lewis's strong turn, it still manages some unexpectedly poignant moments." — Channel 4 Film Posted Dec 14, 2007 |
Fresh 4/5
| Fresh 79%
| American Gangster (2007) | "
A film that deserves attention, if not your full respect." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 15, 2007 |
Rotten 2/5
| Rotten 7%
| Silk (2007) | "
A problematic period movie, Silk is anything but finely spun. Unaided by lacklusture performances from the leads, director Francois Girard seems more interested in crafting a beautiful travelogue than he does a moving melodrama." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 9, 2007 |
Fresh 4/5
| Rotten 57%
| Interview (2007) | "
Snappy exchanges, smart acting and slick directing go to make up a wickedly entertaining work that's hugely enjoyable. A deft story about modern-day celebrity culture, it also proves what a talent Buscemi is as a director." — Channel 4 Film Posted Nov 2, 2007 |
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