Strangely flat, given the fact that it has a great cast, a top director and is based on a popular novel. Read the rest of this entry »

John Wyndham had a tendency to write stories that set up some really funky situations, but which then failed to develop properly as satisfying plotlines. Based on his book, The Midwich Cuckoos, Village of the Damned suffers from the same problem. Read the rest of this entry »

I won’t argue that it doesn’t have its flaws, but I have to say this is still one very impressive piece of work. Visually incredible - not just in its special effects but also in its amazing set design and cinematography. The performances are also impressive and, as always, Danny Boyle uses music to great effect. Read the rest of this entry »

This film has everything going for it except for one small detail: it just didn’t make me laugh that much. I mean, I enjoyed it, I appreciate what they were trying to do, and it really was very well executed - it just wasn’t all that funny! Read the rest of this entry »

This is the kind of sanctimonious and condescending Hollywood film that I really just can’t stand. I understand that some Hollywood execs think they have a duty to educate the ignorant masses and maybe they’re right. And maybe these sorts of films are effective in changing perceptions in a positive way. Read the rest of this entry »

A heck of a powerful film in the tradition of Papillon. I love the way events just kind of unfold without any sort of embellishment by the filmmaker. The narrative is devoid of any kind of moralising and just lets you form your own opinions on what is happening. Read the rest of this entry »