Tomato 3/5
Bamako (2006)
"while the film may be impaired as an oral treatise, Sissako’s use of the trial is still vindicated. It provides rich symbolism in what is, on the whole, a stimulating work."
Edward Porter
Bandslam (2009)
"Bandslam is a mix of the icky, the corny and the comic, but there’s no denying that it’s fun."
Cosmo Landesman
Tomato 5/5
Barry Lyndon (1975)
"Its story of an 18th-century social climber, adapted from Thackeray, unfolds in Gainsborough-esque landscapes and in rooms lit either by milky-white sunshine or shimmering candle flames."
Tomato 4/5
The Beaches of Agnes (2009)
"Although you will get more out of this self-portrait if you're a film-lover, it can be enjoyed simply for its touching, eloquent reflections on life in general."
Splat 1/5
Beautiful Losers (2008)
"As you watch the movie wholeheartedly and uncritically celebrate the group’s “nonconformist” ethos (shouldn’t someone gently break it to them?), you can feel the energy being sucked out of you."
Peter Whittle
Because I Said So (2007)
"As well as providing lifestyle porn, the many scenes set in stylish kitchens mean there is usually a cake on hand for somebody to be splattered with. That’s the level of the bland attempts at comedy."
Better Things (2009)
"This approach is well handled, giving the film a constant chilly allure, but there are some trite scenes in the stories that unfold."
Big River Man (2009)
"It’s a messy film — a few scenes look to be reconstructions, and the lack of any interview with Strel himself is frustrating — but it certainly shows us a colourful part of life’s rich tapestry."
Blood Diamond (2006)
"The best thing about it is the convincing acting by DiCaprio and Hounsou."
Splat 2/5
Blue Eyelids (2008)
"There have been countless films about ordinary, lonely people finding love, but few of them can have had characters quite as unassertive and nondescript as the couple featured in this Mexican comic drama."
The Boat That Rocked (2009)
"Curtis has failed to give us characters we can really like."
Bobby (2006)
"If Estevez’s drama had been as strong as [RFK's] speech, Bobby would have been a far better film."
Bolt (2008)
"The jokes aren’t a match for Pixar’s best, and there’s too much sentimentality (as if Lasseter were determined to keep Disney’s cartoons just that little bit less cool than Pixar’s), but this is still an above-average children’s film."
The Box (2009)
"The acting is stiff, the special effects look cheap and the dialogue is unintentionally funny."
The Bridge (2006)
"There are harrowing moments: who could not be moved by a parent talking about a son’s suicide? But you do not leave the cinema with a better understanding of suicide."
Bright Star (2009)
"Bright Star is an admirable film made by a superb craftsman, but for me, Campion fails to deliver the big emotional punch she hopes to land."
The Broken (2009)
"A slick but unscary spine-chiller."
Broken Embraces (2009)
"It is ironic that, of all Almodovar’s films, Broken Embraces is the biggest budget and the greatest length, yet it is also the dullest. His devoted fans will be delighted, but those who enjoyed Volver will be disappointed."
Bunny & The Bull (2009)
"The film isn’t funny enough or serious enough to be of substance, and often sinks into the quagmire of its own quirkiness."
Burma VJ (2009)
"Watch this and you will long remember Burma - and briefly join a revolution."
Tim Nagle
Bustin' Down the Door (2008)
"Watching top surfers in action is never a chore, but the film’s archive footage would have been even more enjoyable to lay viewers if the commentary had better explained why the men’s innovations were so daring and controversial."
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