Film review of 2006

2007 has arrived and having looked back on the movies that I have seen over the last twelve months, I'm really not sure whether it was a good year for movies or not. It was certainly a year of differing quality in the cinema, yet i have managed to watch some movies that I've always wanted to see and they haven't let me down.

I think the cinema club has been fantastic this year and having gone to the flicks nearly every week for the last 6 months, it's been very important for me to be disappointed by some movies and blown away/surprised by others. In all i managed to watch over 280 films last year so what really surprised me was that I didn't even visit the cinema throughout the whole of January.

The DVD collections has continued to grow and the introduction of a DVD night last month was brilliant and I'm well up for continuing this into the new year. Food, great company, and a good DVD!

The year started of really slowly and with me not going to the cinema to see Walk the line, Munich etc, it is possible that January could of been a great month at the big screen. I finally got round to watching most of the Oscar contenders later on in the year but it really made the first few months seem quite bleak on the movie front. The highlight for me though was watching Wolf Creek (4*). A fantastic Australian movie which is very loosely based around the kidnapping of a couple of British backpackers. Those of a squeamish nature may want to give this a miss as it gave one of my friends horrific nightmares afterwards. This has one of the most sadistic death scenes I've ever seen and I've seen this movie quite a few times through the year with various different people and everyone I know has cringed. It is not a horror movie as such, no monsters, no multitude of deaths, no slash attacks. This film is about terror, the terror that is inside of us. The performances are great and it gives a real sense of realness to the film when the characters seem to be just ad-libbing.

Compare this with The Devil Rejects which I watched the week before and the difference is astounding. The Devil's Rejects is the follow up to the film House of a 1000 corpses directed by Rob Zombie, yet it tries to be a really nasty snuff-esque film on one hand and then tries to be really delicate on the other hand. This just doesn't work and the only redeemable feature is the fantastic end sequence to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird. Either show the violence or not. You cannot do both as it leaves the viewing public confused as to what is trying to be achieved.

I managed to watch a few older movies that I'd never got round to seeing including What Lies Beneath (4*) and Unfaithful (4*). Really enjoyed both of these. What Lies Beneath has a couple of really scary bits (the bit in the bath tub is horrible) even if it is a bit predictable but Unfaithful really grabbed my attention and the ending was really clever. Richard Gere playing against his normal character and a real reminder that when fate intervenes anything can happen.

February didn't really get any better with only two cinema trips. One was to see Fun with Dick and Jane (3*). Not Jim Carrey's best but funny never the else and the bit where they have the sprinkler shower in the street had me weak! The second was Final Destination 3 (4*) which I really liked. It was more in tone with the first movie and had some brilliant self referencing for fans of the trilogy. Also, a very dark ending!!! No-one famous but some fantastic death sequences which are still good on repeat viewing. i bought the DVD later on the year and it has a brilliant alternative scene devise where you watch the movie and make decisions on what happens next. Will you save a life or get them killed in a different way?! Really clever and great for duplicate viewings.

The rest of the month was watching DVD's. R-Point (4*) was a brilliant ghost story from Korea abut a group of soldiers who are trapped in a ghost ridden field waiting to be rescued. you have to use your brain as you do with most Asian cinema bu it is well worth it. Also with a ghostly theme, I saw Corpse's Bride (4*). Very short but really funny and quite moving. The excellent combo of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton make this simple ghost into a really good movie. The remake of the Manchurian Candidate (4*) was tense and very poignant in today's post 9/11 climate. Denzel Washington is again excellent and the film has a brilliant ensemble cast. On the flip side, I also had to sit through some complete rubbish.

Alone in the dark (1*) is based on the excellent PC game from the early 1990's. This film is poor beyond believe. The all star cast (!!!!) of Christian Slater and Tara Reid can't even save this from the bargain bin at Netto's. What has happened to Christian Slater? He was awesome in the 1990's - Murder in the first, True Romance, Very Bad things. Now he's a straight to video superstar! Hollow Man 2! PLEASE!!! It's a real shame because unless he can do a John Travolta style turn around he will stay in the STV section of Blockbuster.

March was a funny month as I watched quite a few movies and some really good ones but nothing really much at the cinema again. The Hills have eyes remake (1*)was a real disappointment. I was hoping for so much when i went to see this that perhaps I over egged it a bit but having watched SwitchBlade Romance by the same director last year (which is brilliant) I thought this was going to be special. It's not -Simple as! The story is simple enough with a family stranded out n the middle of no where and some psycho's in the nearby vacinity. There is nothing new in this movie, nothing at all.

V for Vendetta (2*) was also a complete let down. It was actually watched up in Leeds and it was so bad that I fell asleep for a bit. I recently watched it again on DVD to make sure that I hadn't missed the best bits with my cinema nap! I hadn't. the trailer makes it out to be something it isn't and it really lacks a strong narrative. Maybe its trying to be too clever, who knows! Hostel (3*) was ok with a definite From duck till dawn feel about the movie as it seems to be in two halves. I just bought it on DVD and watching it the second time round it was much better, I'd probably go as far as to give it an extra star! At the cinema, I was expecting so much gore and disgusting torture but it never really materalised. The second time round I appreciated the movie for what it is, a long build up with some important character work but a total destruction of a set of lives. The making of on the DVD is also really goos so take a look if you can get hold of it.

I again watched a lot of movies on DVD this month trying to catch up on loads that I had missed at the cinema. Ray (5*) became the first movie to really blow me away. Fantastic acting from Jamie Foxx, brilliant soundtrack, and an all round excellent film. Lord of War (5*) starring Nic Cage also managed to get top marks. Nic cage plays a arms smuggler who tries to maintain a normal social life i.e. married with kids. The film is excellent with a really interesting morale message. Definitely worth a watch.

My guilty pleasure though for this month turned out to be The Dukes of Hazard (5*). I bought it on DVD cos it was cheap and just found it hilarious. A real good story with some really funny moments and a definite hark back to the original TV show. If you want a really good Sunday afternoon film, then you couldn't go far wrong by picking this up. Johnny Knoxsville and Sean William Scott are great as the Duke twins. the Bar fight scene is a real stand out moment!

Other good films included Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (4*). Very weird but very funny. Johnny Depp with another excellent performance. Revolver (4*) has the strangest ending ever and if anyone can explain what happens then please do. It's this puzzle though that is intriguing and has kept me coming back for a couple of repeat viewings. It took a total slating by the press when it came out but watch it for yourself and try and unravel the complex story.

Domino (4*) was also really good. Mickey Rourke's comeback continues and Kiera impresses again.

April saw a grand total of zero cinema visits. I can't believe it looking back as UGC must of been loving taking that £11 a month from me! Good job I battered the cinema in the second half of the year! Only decent film I watched in April was Nightwatch (5*). The first part of a Russian trilogy. Imagine Blade mixed with the Matrix and your not far off. The second part should be arriving fairly soon! On the badside, please please please do not ever buy, watch, rent, borrow, download or even look at Aeon Flux. Utter, utter rubbish. Its so bad that you could use it as a torture mechanism. Charlize Theron, what the hell were you thinking when you agreed to star in this pile of steaming shite?!

May saw the start of the HBOS BA cinema club and it was also quite a good month for movies in the cinema and on DVD. First off Mission Impossible 3 (5*). Fantastic movie, in fact, so good I went to see it twice. The storyline is great and the addition of Phillip Seymour Hoffman as a evil bastard really adds some much needed emotion to the non-stop action. The set piece in the Vatican is amazing and the in-joke which actually lets you see how they make the rubber masks is genius. Your kept guessing through the movie as the story takes in various different locations, yet unlike MI2 it all seems fairly plausible (well almost!).

Also at the cinema this month was Waiting (4*). The ensemble cast in this movie is great with some of the really promising young comic actors. Ryan Reynolds aka Van Wilder, Anna Faris aka Miss Scary movie and Justin Long aka Mr Smacked in the bolloxs a lot in Dodgeball!! The premise is simple, a new member of staff starts in a restaurant and its the tale of his initiation on his first day. You may never wish to eat in a restaurant ever again after watching some of the more gross out bits but this film is really funny. The penis game is a stroke of genius and has probably kept many a student amused over the last year.

X-men 3 (4*) was a real surprise. I hated the second one and wasn't really motivated to see the third installment. It turned out to be worth it as it was a really good piece of popcorn munching, no brain cinema! Brett Ratner stepped into the shoes of Bryan singer and really upped the action. Vinnie Jones is as bad as the reviews said but that aside it's short, sweet and does exactly what it says on the tin.

With these 3 really making it a great month to visit the cinema, one film had to let us down and what a let down it was. After being bigged up as a faithful adaption, we were actually treated to a boring, monologue filled 2 and a half hours. The Da Vinci Code (2*). The book is great yet I really can't explain where they went wrong. The casting is ok, but it just lacks any sort of excitement. Compare this to National Treasure with Nicholas Cage and the difference becomes even bigger. I haven't even bought this on DVD so that says something!!

DVD wise, I finally got round to watching the Godfather trilogy (5*, 5*, 3*) and it was worth the wait. It is true that the third one is a let down but the first two are masterpieces. There's so much tension due to the unpredictable nature of the Corleone family's behavior.

Another fantastic movie was Downfall. It follows Hitler's last days and is a real eye opener to the type of person he really was. With the war lost, Hitler and his most important staff hide out in his underground bunker. Really touching, not from Hitler's point view but the other staff members who are caught up in his suicide who didn't really understand what they were part of.

Onto June and the arrival of Hard Candy (5*). Having heard good word of mouth, I went into this with an open mind despite the unflattering subject matter. A girl of 14 and a man old enough to be her dad converse over the internet and decide to meet up. The opening scene is brilliantly laid out with just the internet talk showed through an MSN style set-up. It immediately grabs your stomach muscles and starts to ring them out until you feel so tense and your not really sure why. The pair meet and the realness of the situation is apparent (having a sister the same age is frightening). The girl manages to capture the man and in a reversal of roles starts to tear his life apart because she suspects him of being a paedophile. The twists and turns are great with a brilliant ending which doesn't let any of the tension subside. For those of you with a weak stomach, the torture scenes are unpleasant but compulsive viewing!

Not that much else at the cinema except a really good remake of the Poseidon Adventure called (funnily enough) Poseidon (4*). The story arc is effectively the same with a rogue wave sitting the boot and its a tale of triumph over adversity as a group of people from differing races, backgrounds and generations battle against the forces of nature. As cheesy as you can get but you just get caught along on the crest of the wave (Pun intended) . The action scenes are inventive and quite tense in places with some really unexpected offing's of the cast. A great movie to watch on Sunday afternoon!

In a completely different tone, United 93 (3*) explores the on-flight entertainment of 9/11 (Just read that back and even I think that is in bad taste!!). No superstars, no character development, infact, you don't even learn the names of some of the flight attendees. This is the story of Flight 93 which missed its target due to the customers on board over running the terrorists. I think I need to see this film again as it was really difficult to watch and seems very slow as it is almost played out in real time. Empire voted this the best film of the year, but I'm not so sure. It was good don't get me wrong and the ending is brilliantly done, it just felt like it was lacking something.

I managed to get round to watching Broken Flowers (5*) on DVD which was excellent and it seems that Bill Murray just seems t get better and better. A touching, yet funny movie about a a guy trying to track down his son he never knew he had. Also excellent was Spun (5*), a drug induced trip into the world of crystal meth! Weird, but some great performances from a wicked ensemble cast.

With World Cup well under way, the Summer suffered slightly from a lack of decent movie releases. July is a good example of this as I only visited the cinema a couple of times.

Pirates of the Caribbean 2 - Dead mans chest (3*) saw quite a few of us take the trip the cinema and most of us came away feeling slightly disappointed. It is a good film, some parts are really funny and there's some great action. The film does suffer from middle of a trilogy syndrome as you have no resolution and you are left hanging on until May this year to find out what happens next. I have a feeling that when you are able to watch the three movies as a trilogy the 3 star rating for this film could increase!

A real nice surprise was Stormbreaker. The trailer sold this movie, no doubt about it. It looked fun with an unbelievable cast. The film delivered on the trailer and I went away with a cheesy grin on my face. High paced, clever gadgets, lots of in jokes the majority aimed at taking the piss out of James Bond. The Odd Job gag is quality and when I re-watched this on DVD the other day, it still had me cracking up! This film could certainly pave the way for a few more as apparently there are loads of books to work with. Mickey Rourke loves hamming it up as a pantomime style bad guy, and there are some great cameos from Jimmy Carr, Stephen Fry and Robbie Coltrane.

The summer sales were quite kind to the pocket and the DVD collection! Vertigo (5*) was cheap as chips and because I'd never seen it before was a must buy (£3!!). Alfred Hitchcock is clearly one of the most clever directors ever. The tension and underlying motives in this film are brilliant. Twists, turns with a great ending. I've just bought quite a few more Hitchcock movies and am working my way through his back catalogue. I haven't been disappointed with a single one yet. Well worth checking out.

Then we hit August. Post World Cup blues but who cared because the cinema erupted into life with the best movie going month of the year. Great films at the cinema and great film on DVD!

First up, Cars (5*). The trailer looked ok, the reviews were distinctly average, yet I throughly enjoyed this movie. Glorious colours, great storyline (only let down by a slightly long middle section). The voice selection of the film is also really good. Owen Wilson fits perfectly to the laid back attitude of Lightening McQueen. The film is also really funny, and I do mean really funny. The end section is packed with jokes and the credit sequence is the funniest piece of cinema I have seen this year. The drive-in movie section had me crying in the flicks and also on DVD. The best kids film of the year without a doubt.

Then came Lady in the Water. Slated by the press, great reviews from the cinema going public. M. Night Shyalaman only ever seems to make movies you either love or hate. There is no middle ground. I have seen everyone of his movies at the cinema and own them all on DVD. I think he is one of the most talented story tellers around at the moment and this film is no exception. Based on a story that Night told to his own children at bed time about a Water nymph that crosses over into the real world. It's a simple enough story yet the multi-layered use of destiny and life's purpose make it so much more than it at first seems. Paul Giamatti puts in another great performance (he seems to be just getting better and better) and the emotional ending is superb. Loads of people had to wipe away the tears at the end and I'll be the first to admit that if i'd been watching it at home I would of had to as well! I can't praise this film enough but like Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs you need to immerse yourself in the movie and let it tell you the story rather than trying to unfold it yourself. I think this is why some people will dislike this movie as it requires some patience and thats not something that everyone has in the cinema world.

The following week, the cinema club had to visit Cineworld twice as the films just kept on coming. Snakes on a Plane (4*) did exactly what is said on the tin. The most audience participation I have ever witnessed at the cinema, shouting, clapping, laughing, the lot. It was great. When Sam L Jackson utters 'the line', the place was rocking. Its a simple premise but the differing uses of the snakes is great and it manages to keep its tongue firmly in its cheek all the way through. The special effects are a bit dodgy in places but its so fun, you just don't care. It also puts a stop to the 'Kenan and Kell' were killed in a car crash myth as Kenan has an important part to play.

A Scanner Darkly (4*) definitely takes the prize for weirdest film of the year. Keanu Reeves is a drug enforcement officer in the near future and is given the task to go undercover in a drugs ring. His identity is kept so private that he is eventually asked to investigate himself. A great supporting cast of Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Robert Downey Jr make this film really funny, as the cast all play to each others strengths. The animated style over film real life actors also makes this film a complete drug induced haze which fits the underlying morales of the story perfectly.

Miami Vice (4*) came bounding on to the scene with definite look of a Michael Mann movie and it also sported the worst tache of the year on Colin Farrel. A bit long but some good action scenes, awesome shoot-out at the end and a really good story line.

Finally at the flicks, Severance (4*). A British comedy horror by the director of one of the sickest films of last year, Creep. Danny Dyer stars as one of a group of Military defence office workers who are on their yearly work outing for team bonding. Soon it all goes horribly wrong and they are left out in the middle of no where with no forms of communication. Its not long before a crazed lunatic shows up and the blood, guts and laughs start to flow. Very British comedy which probably wouldn't appeal outside of the UK but definitely worth a watch.

On DVD, I saw some equally great movies. Brokeback Mountain (5*) was as good as everyone made out. It had been sitting on my self for ages before I got round to watching it, and I really enjoyed it. The prejudice of society weighs heavily on this movie and the ending is really touching. The Constant Gardner (5*) starring Rachel Weisz was fantastic with probably the most politically moral film of the year. Great story and great acting, another brilliant ending. The one word I'd use to sum it up into today's climate is poignant.

The best though was Grizzly Man (5*). A documentary about a man that lived with bears doesn't sound great but this is the best documentary I have ever seen. Timothy Treadwell lived with the same group of bears every summer for 13 years until, one attacked him and his girlfriend, killed them and ate them. It really is an emotional roller coaster of a movie with footage shot by Timothy mixed with interviews from people who knew him. This really has to be seen to be believed. I cannot praise it enough, I just wish I'd seen it at the cinema or I could get some of you lot to watch it!

Others to note A Cock and Bull story (4*) - Very funny, the chestnut scene had me crying with laughter. This won't be everyone's cup of tea but it is a really clever movie. An American Haunting (4*) - scary, tense and the sickest, darkest ending your likely to see in the near future. March of the Penguins (4*) - cute and you learn something!!

How could you follow a month like that. The simple answer is you couldn't. September was ok but it did include the biggest let down of the year.

The Black Dahlia (2*) had an amazing trailer, a brilliant cast, a great director so what the hell happened. Over long, strung out, boring in places. This was a real disappointment. Based on true events, the story follows Josh Harnett as he becomes a detective and has to investigate a grizzly death. There are twists and turns but the eventual twist is rubbish and just makes you wish you hadn't bothered. I won't be buying this on DVD but I'd quite happily watch the trailer!!

The Sentinel (4*) had some flimsy reviews, yet I really enjoyed it and I think it shows why the Cinema club is a great idea. I didn't really want to see it, so Stu and I struck a deal we'd go and see Crank (3*) one day and The Sentinel two days later. I'm really glad I did. Michael Douglas stars as an aging bodyguard to the President of the United States. He's also knocking off his wife behind his back, and he becomes embroiled in an assassination attempt on the Big Cheese's life. Keifer Sutherland plays on his Jack Bauer role as the agent tasked to track Douglas down. Good story, tight time frames and a real quick pace with a nice little twist.

Crank on the other hand is about as frenetic as you can possibly get. It is mental. Jason Statham is massive at the minute in the States and he launches himself into this tongue in cheek action film which feels like the Human equivalent of Speed. Replace the bus with Statham who cannot slow down unless his heart will stop, shoots, runs, kills, shags his way after the culprits. The only poor point is Amy Smart. She has been rubbish in every film I have ever seen her in. It doesn't even help that she gets them out for the lads! Definitely a Saturday night style boys film!

Clerks 2 (4*) was never going to live up to the brilliance of the original but it certainly tries. The story continues with Dante now working in a burger restaurant, well he did. This is his last day! Rude, so rude and offensive but so funny. Way better than Borat. I can't say too much about this one as it will just give away the best bits. If you want to laugh and stupid, horrible, offensive comedy then rent this out!

Right at your door (4*) is a really brave movie coming in the wake of 9/11. Dirty bombs are launched in Los Angeles and families are asked to seal their homes to stop the spread of a virus. Even if your loved ones are outside. A fantastic twist which will leave you gobsmacked.

Managed to get round to watch Jarhead (5*) on DVD. Really enjoyed it. Jamie Foxx is brilliant as the commanding officer, and it really does investigate the boredom and futility of an actual war scenario. The Squid and The Whale (5*) may have the strangest title of the year as there isn't a squid or a whale in the whole film. Its basic premise is how two kids survive the divorce of their parents played by Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney. Really funny and touching. Apparently, its nearly all autobiographical, based on the director's experiences.

October saw the month where my free DVD rentals really kicked in (Thanks Josh!). I watched loads of movies that I'd wanted to see but hadn't got round to seeing at the cinema. There's too many for full details so here is a quick look.

The Proposition (3*) - Mean, moody, bloody - not as good as I thought it was going to be.
Memoirs of a Geisha (4*) - Excellent, I love the Japanese culture so I may be biased. Great acting and story. The ending may make you shed a tear!
3 Burials of Melquidas Estrada (2*) - Didn't like it. Had heard really good things but I just got bored.
Good night and Good Luck - (5*) - Clooney can do no wrong at the moment. Really good movie about the paranoid nature of the American government during the 50's relating to communism.
Taxi Driver (5*) - Yes, its taken me this long to finally get round to watch and yes, it is brilliant!
When a Stranger Calls (4*) - Horror remake which is really creepy. Simple but scary.
Enron - The smartest guys in the room (5*)- Fantastic documentary about the collapse of Enron. Up there fighting it out with Grizzly man!!

Evil Aliens (0*) - Worst film I have ever seen. Huge statement but it sucks. I had to turn this utter pile of crap off after 32 minutes because it was starting to make me feel like my brain was melting. Awful beyond belief.
Capote (4*) - Phillip Seymour Hoffman is awesome again!

Walk the Line (5*) - I've watched this twice and gone on to buy it. Again, I wish I'd seen it at the cinema as the performance from Phoenix and Witherspoon are unbelievable. It's also got me listening to Johnny Cash!! Cash was obviously a tormented sole but was lucky to break through the drug abuse unlike some notable others who also appear in the movie.

Loads of good ones there and there were quite a few good ones at the cinema too.

The Departed (5*) certainly has the best cast of the year. Di Caprio, Damon, Baldwin, Nicholson, Wahlberg. All directed by Martin Scorcese! This was actually my first Scorcese movie at the big screen and it rules. I hadn't seen the original film, Infernal Affairs so I didn't know the story before I went in and I'm glad that this was the case. Having watched the Infernal Affairs trilogy (5*, 5*, 3*) in November, there are definite similarities. Although, enough is different to enable both films to stand up on their own. One cop (Di Caprio) goes undercover as a gangster, one gangster goes undercover as a cop (Damon) and the story plays out as they try to find each other out. Jack Nicholson has his best baddy since the Joker and he eats up the screen, yet the rest of the cast aren't overshadowed. The showdown is great. Tense with several twists which keep you glued to the screen for the full two and half hours!

Texas Chainsaw Massacre - The Beginning (4*) is easily the most disgusting film of the year. It doesn't even add anything knew to the story as such, yet it does nothing wrong and you come out feeling like you have been covered in grime and dirt. I literally came out thinking I needed a wash. Nightmare inducing stuff which some really horrific death scenes. Some great in-jokes for fans of the TCM's, and some interesting plot holes are filled in. I now I'll end up buying this just to watch with other people to see how they react!

Last one for October, Marie Antoinette (4*). If you don't like The Virgin Suicides or Lost in Translation, then don't go an see this. Sofia Coppola directs this movie and you can tell from the opening 5 minutes. Kirsten Dunst is Marie and the film focuses on her loneliness, in a world where she is catered for in every need but lacks love from her enforced other half. It focuses on her years before the French Revolution so there are no heads being lopped off. Its slow and meaningful like Sofia's other movies, yet it makes you think what it would of been like. check out the futuristic references too when she's picking her shoes!!

November was another brilliant month at the cinema with two five star movies in the same week. Casino Royale (5*) is without a doubt, the best Bond film I have ever seen at the cinema. Goldeneye has been my favourite but this takes Bond to a whole new level. For months, I had seen the trailer and had been firmly in the 'Daniel Craig will be shit' camp. How wrong we all were! Gone are the stupid gadgets and in its place a more Simon Bourne style approach. Bond fights, bleeds and has to change his shirt. Ok, so some of it is still a little bit of bollocks. I'd like to see anyone walk away from the car crash but you don't care. Your caught up in the excitement of it. Set pieces of action which blow you away. A card game which is so tense, you can barely breathe. Gorgeous women, a fit Bond for the ladies and a story arc which looks to follow on into the next Bond film! Excellent from start to finish and the long running time just flies by.

The Prestige (5*) is also superb and keeps Christopher Nolan as one of the hottest directors around. Memento is excellent, Batman Returns was good and The Prestige has a brilliantly multi-layer plot which keeps you on your toes before pulling the rug away and leaving you flat on your face. What I love about this movie is that your told everything you need to know at the start, yet it pulls of the magic trick because of simple sleight of hand. Your looking one way, when you should be looking the other. Christian Bale is superb, Hugh Jackman plays against character and is really good, even David Bowie makes an appearance in a pivotal role. Go into this movie with an open mind and you will be blown away. I did manage to guess the twist with about 15 minutes to go, but even then I had only guessed one little bit of it. Just don't tell anyone who hasn't seen it!

Borat (3*) was funny but way too overhyped and I think the 5 stars given to it by Empire magazine are really generous. Like I said it is funny, yet some of it just feels fake. Its offensive beyond belief, the Texan bigot is outrageous. The ending is poor and doesn't really fit the tone of the rest of the movie. I'll probably watch it on DVD and laugh my ass off again, it might of been one of those cinema visits where I just wasn't in the mood. The hotel naked wrestling scene is absolutely gross and you don't even want to watch it, yet your eyes are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I feel sick just thinking about it.

This next film did actually make me heave in the cinema, Jackass Number 2 (4*). The Horse scene had me gagging away and nearly full on spewing on the floor. I would say that this is funnier than Borat. Some of the stuff that these guys do is just insane, really, truly insane! This was another great audience participation film and I can imagine getting a few beers in and watching this with a crowd of people all laughing, growning, heaving their way through 90 mins of Number 2!

Also went to watch Saw 3 (3*). Not much to say. Good, gross, nice use of back story but no where near as good as the other two.

A couple of great films on DVD, I am Sam (5*) and Hotel Rwanda (5*). Sam had me crying my eyes out! I was hungover, couldn't get back to sleep so thought I'd stick it on. Unbelievable movie! Sean Penn is incredible as the mentally retarded father who may lose his daughter because of the bureaucratic governmental laws. Cry, I was bloody hysterical! Rwanda was also excellent and not knowing much about the history behind it really opened my eyes to the tradegy that took place.

The Christmas month saw only a couple of cinema visits, but it did unveil another 5 star! Stranger than Fiction (5*) starring Will Ferrell has a great premise. What would you do if you heard a voice in your head, narrating your life, and it said you were going to die! It has a similar tone to Eternal sunshine of the Spotless mind, and Ferrell manages to restrain himself in this more serious role. Great supporting cast of Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thomson all chip in to make this film feel really special. The relationship that blossoms from nothing and the impending death are worlds apart, yet strangely linked. I've read a couple of reviews say that the ending doesn't live up to the rest of the film. I disagree, fate, chance and destiny all make an appearance and it left me feeling warm inside!

Night at the Museum (2*) wasn't funny. It's as simple as that. The trailer looked good because it had all the funny bits in it. Really didn't enjoy. The only bit that made me laugh out loud was the Brokeback Mountain joke. With such a talented cast, this really should of been better.

And thats the lot! A real difficult choice this year to pick my best film. Mission Impossible was there for a while, The Departed nearly nicked it but I think it has to go to Lady in the Water. I can't wait to see it again, and then I will be lending it to you all to make sure you watch it! It just had it all for me and the idea that we all have a purpose seems to make sense.

Half way through January and we've already got a 5 star flick viewed at the big screen! Could be in for a great year!