I spit on Spirit too, Up rocks. =) 

Zwiffle is from the states and Bal is french, they have no taste! 

can anyone recommend a couple of decent tv series? Now that I've finished BSG, got bored of Supernatural, and my interest in Stargate Universe is waning, I need something new to tide me over :)

I heard good things about Dollhouse, anyone seen any episodes and can recommend it? I loved Firefly and this is another Wheadon show right?

Lots of people on here have been praising the The Wire, I had not even heard of it before, anyone care to give a quick synopsis?

Anything else I missed? I'm generally after sci-fi or "spooky" types (think x-files, supernatural etc) but I'll give anything a go :) 

The new X-Files = Fringe, pretty decent. The first season is S-L-O-W though, but the 2nd season picks up a bit.

If you can get Sons of Anarchy then totally watch that. Good shit. Accurate portrait of life in America too.

Dexter is also pretty good, but you might find it a bit over dramatic, and imo the 3rd season was kind of stale - it seems to follow a particular formula, which I hope they change for season 4.

There are some others but I can't think of them atm. 

Dollhouse is average for the first 5 episodes but picks up big time after that, so if you can handle 5 average episodes, go for it.

The Wire is a show set in Baltimore and basically examines, amongst other things, the drug trade from all angles. But it does a lot more than that. I have one more season to go, but its probably close to the best tv Ive seen so far.

Also, see upcoming review, but The Middleman is a nice fun series in the campy sci fi senseibility.

If you havent seen Carnivale, go for that too, brilliant show. 

but had some spare time on the train :

The Middleman: Season One (and only) � Fresh and original show that was unfortunately cancelled way too early. Sure, some episodes have ideas are far more inspired than the actual execution but on the whole this series provided frequently entertaining and hilarious entertainment.

The premise of the show is not too dissimilar to something like Men in Black but it�s a lot less self conscious in terms of style and more in tune with old school campy sci-fi. Also, the casting is quite spot on with the leading players getting good support from the rest of the cast.

Favorite episodes included the 1984esque parallel dimension final episode and the hilarious episode involving Vladdy the vampire puppet.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1122770/

7/10


Entourage Season 5 � once again, another bunch of entertaining yet instantly forgettable episodes (although scenes with Turtle and Meadow Soprano are excruciating).

6.5/10


Maqbool (2003) � Vishal Bhardwaj�s stunning adaptation of Macbeth set in the Mumbai underworld. Its surprisingly faithful and also throws in a few well done nods to The Godfather. As is usual with Bhardwaj, dialogue is fantastic and is carried off with panache by two of India�s best actors, Irfan Khan and Tabu.

Doesn�t quite have the technical virtuosity of his later Omkara (an Othello adaptation) but makes up for it by being far grittier and raw in its execution.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379370/

7.5/10


Kaminey (2009) � Vishal Bhardwaj�s most recent feature is an attempt to mix Bollywood with Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. The result is not altogether successful, with too many subplots and characters taking away from the main arc which is handled quite well (with surprisingly good performances from the usually average Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra). But its another stunningly shot film by Bhardwaj�s new cinematographer, Tassaduq Hussain, and some of the dialogue is upto Bhardwaj�s usual high standard.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1274295/

6.5/10


Reds (1981) � Fabulous film with an epic scope and reach that is unlikely to be replicated anytime soon (if at all). It is also a biopic that does more than just go through the most important events in its subject�s life.

Warren Beatty directs, produces and stars in the story about American John Reid, a journalist who covered the Russian Revolution first hand and unsuccessfully tried to bring the same ideology to the US. Its not a film concerned with politics, although Reid�s fascination with communism is the core, but simply uses it to chart one man�s dream turned obsession turned disappointment.

Against all this, but in no way less important, are Reid�s relationships with American playwright Eugene O�Neill (Jack Nicholson) and fellow journalist Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton). Beatty directs all of this with supreme confidence, the three hour plus running time whizzed by for me with hardly any dead space. He is ably assisted by some beautiful cinematography from personal favorite Vittorio Storaro and stunning acting performances from all involved, but especially Keaton and Nicholson. Their scenes together are classic cinema.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082979/

8/10


[REC] (2007) � reasonably effective if unoriginal zombie movie from Spain with the novelty factor being that rather than people trapped inside and being attacked from outside, the people and the zombies are trapped inside. It allows for some spooky moments, none more so than towards the end, but there is a feeling of being there done that to the whole thing.

Nevertheless, it does one thing most recent Hollywood horror films fail to do, by having characters that are not so annoying that actually want them to be killed by whatever is chasing them.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1038988/

6.5/10


District 9 (2009) � Hmm, I thought it abandoned a great premise after about 20 min and settled to be a simple chase film after that point, but it was definitely very well made for what it eventually was. Enthralling, entertaining and fun, even if it let a greater opportunity slip by.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136608/

7-7.5/10 

The Edge of Love (2008) � billed as a semi-biopic of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, it is anything but, instead focusing on the two ladies in Thomas� life during WWII, played here by Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller.

I have a feeling this will only be favourably looked upon by those unfamiliar with Thomas� work or life (like me) because then they can focus on two fine acting performances from Miller and Knightley and some sublime photography rather than what is missing from the movie in relayion to Thomas. Even if you can do that though, it still does not come together as a whole with unecessary time given to another subplot that seems tacked on.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0819714/

6.5/10


Kid Galahad (1937) � entertaining if predictable crime/boxing drama with a cast on top of its game: Edward G Robinson, Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis. Michael Curtiz keeps the whole thing going at a good pace and overcomes the slightly ridiculous premise.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029080/

7/10


Gran Torino (2008) � I think this was on par with Eastwood�s other film from the year, Changeling, rather then being superior. Both are well made films with problems, in this case there is some rather amateurish acting from the asian cast, some unconvincing acting from most the Western cast except Eastwood himself, and a rather pat ending.

In amongst all that though is an entertaining and pleasant drama, albeit one which never really kicks out of first gear.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1205489/

7/10


Empire of Passion (1978) � beautifully shot but rather emotionally cold kwaidan (ghost story) by Japanese director Nagisa Oshima. The setup is great and possesses a darker twist to the genre than usual but it ultimately fails because you just don�t care for the central characters and what happens to them. Oshima�s direction is far too detached and clinical and while this suits some of the later supernatural scenes well, it just doesn�t do justice to the majority of the film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077132/

5.5/10


The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) � the decidedly average movie about Benjamin Button might be a more apt title, with hardly anything worth mentioning after 2.5 hrs have passed. The script by Forrest Gump scribe Eric Roth is glib, uninteresting and ultimately concerned with shoving as many events in Button�s life as possible into the runtime, forgetting to make any of them count.

Brad Pitt seems miscast, not really getting into the role at all, and whilst Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton inject some much needed life into the movie, their characters� roles and screentime needed to have been expanded.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/

5.5/10


The Lower Depths (1957) � not vintage Kurosawa, its almost a little too rigid in its presentation and does not have the vitality and energy of his best films, but this adaptation of Gorky�s play is still quite a solid film with fine ensemble performances and an interesting transplantation of the setting from 19th century imperial Russia to the slums of Edo period Japan.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050330/

7/10


Homicide (1991) � One of David Mamet�s best films, even with its share of problems. It has a little trouble connecting its main plotline which concerns an identity troubled jewish homicide detective (an excellent Joe Mantegna) and his subsequent obsessive investigation into the murder of an elderly jewish woman with an ongoing investigation involving a drug bust. Also, the ending, as good as it is, throws up a number of logical inconsistencies.

But to counter all that, this has fabulous dialogue, some very interesting characterisations and gorgeous camerawork by the great Roger Deakins.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102048/

7/10 

Une Femme Mariee (1964) � Godard at his most trite, this is the sort of pseudo-intellectual social commentary lite movie that gives art films a bad name. Raoul Coutard does some great stuff behind the camera but it cant save an otherwise dull and overly pompous film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058701/

4/10


The Red Shoes (1948) � Another quality film by Powell and Pressburger, one of their most famous, and whilst I do not personally consider it one of their best, its still damn fine filmmaking. Using the Hans Christian Andeson short story as a basis for a film about a ballet dancer and her tempestuous relationship with her trainer, it also features the same short story as the ballet performance that is the 15 minute centerpiece of the film.

And that 15 minute sequence is movie magic, a complete lesson in all aspects of cinematography by the great Jack Cardiff. And whilst it is not the only great scene in the movie (it has several), it is definitely the most memorable.

However, against all that, I felt that the main plotline was not effectively executed, especially towards the end when it felt a bit rushed and forced. But most definitely a memorable film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040725/

7-7.5/10


Act of Violence (1948) � top shelf film noir from Fred Zinneman that cuts out all the fat and has a straightforward and very lean narrative brought to life by good acting and superb cinematography. Van Heflin and Janet Leigh play a couple whose tranquil life is upset when Robert Ryan�s character arrives on the scene and starts stalking them for an initially unknown reason.

The movie is all forward motion right from the start with hardly a scene wasted. And like most good noirs, there is a lot more going on under the surface than is first apparent.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041088/

7.5/10


Mystery Street (1950) � film noir crossed with police procedural, it almost feels like a 50 yr old CSI episode. But thankfully one that is not obsessed with stupid wisecacks and dull process but with interesting characters, atmosphere and clever dialogue. Nothing special overall, but hugely entertaining.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042771/

6.5-7/10


Control (2007) � this is a strange one, a biopic about Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis that eschews conventional biopic format (ie just following events in the subject�s life) and focuses more on the character themselves (which is what I prefer). But strangely, I thought it went too far in concentrating on the character and did not make sufficient connection with the events in his life, almost relegating them to the sidelines.

But its superbly acted all round especially by the leads Sam Riley and Samantha Morton, has some very welcome and delicious british humour and is stunningly shot in black and white by Anton Corbijn who was previously a photographer.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421082/

6.5-7/10


Luck by Chance (2009) � pleasant film that takes a light stab at the filmmaking industry that is Bollywood with charming performances and some hilarious scenes. But for what it is, a fairly unsubstantial dissection of the Indian movie industry, its far too long. It either needed to lose half an hour or add more dramatic weight to its plotting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0886539/

6/10


Europa (1991) � Before Lars Von Trier went all dogma, he actually used to make proper films. Although �proper� is probably not the most appropriate term for this bizarre Kafka influenced film set in immediate post WWII Germany, shot in alternating black & white and colour, and defying conventional narrative form. But its proper in the sense that it pays as much attention to cinematic language than it does to the story and acting. And how.

At times pompous, at times moving, at times spectacular, this is a one of a kind film, unique in its look, unique in its tone and unique in its vision. More of this please Mr Von Trier.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101829/

7.5-8/10 

Guess it is quite a long train journey from Oz to Japan though... 

have more but didnt want to post 3 in a row :)

The Far Country (1954) � another fine western from the Anthony Mann/James Stewart collaboration, faltering only at the end for me when it became a little unconvincing. Until then, this was a brilliant film with some of the finest location photography to ever grace a western.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048055/

7-7.5/10


Stagecoach (1939) � I have a hard time liking John Ford�s westerns, most of them are either ruined by inane humour or held back by fairly standard characterisations and plotting. But this one I had no problems with.

The characterisations are very strong right from the beginning, the humour is actually funny and does not interrupt narrative flow and the gradual buildup pays off superbly with great action sequences. And from the very first frame, this is lit and composed magnificently.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031971/

7.5/10


Prague (2006) � Another searing and moving recent Danish film with another great performance by Mads Mikkelsen. The movie focuses on a Danish couple traveling to Prague where the father of Mikkelsen�s character has recently died. What follows is an intense and interesting exploration of identity and various forms of relationships, all set against the glorious backdrop of Prague itself.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0855975/

7.5/10


The Great Lie (1941) � surprisingly terrible melodrama, I was expecting more from a movie featuring Bette Davis and Mary Astor but the stupid plotting and characterisation works against the two great actresses.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033677/

4/10


The Little Giant (1933) � Charming and pleasant comedy of manners starring Edward G Robinson and Mary Astor. Robinson plays a gangster, as he pretty much always did, posing as an upper class socialite to escape police attention. The plotting is ludicrous but Robinson and Astor work really well together and make the most of some clever dialogue.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024262/

6.5/10


The Man in the White Suit (1951) � Very subtle british comedy with Alec Guiness in fine form as a lab assistant who creates a material from which clothes can be made that never need to be washed/cleaned. His attempts to make the material available commercially encounter various obstacles from the unions, clothing manufacturers and other scientists.

Ingenious premise and plotting but the execution was a little too subtle and quaint for my on personal taste.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044876/

6/10


Om Shanti Om (2007) � very big budget Bollywood film that pretty much represents the epitome of the typical blockbuster Bollywood film: overdramatic and nonsensical plot, ridiculous overacting from the leads, gorgeous cinematography with stunning use of colour and well choreographed song and dance numbers but which disrupt narrative flow.

Not really my type of thing, but it had me entertained till about the halfway mark, after which it got more and more tedious.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024943/

5.5/10


Jhoom Bharabar Jhoom (2005) � see above, pretty much the same but there is an extended 30 min song and dance sequence towards the end that is just brilliantly choreographed.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0833476/

5.5/10 

recently saw Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075669/

Wild story and characters with some visually interesting scenes, a bit uneven and sometimes dragging a bit when the musical parts halts the story and go on a bit too long for my taste. Overall a good watch though. 

yeah that is pretty much representative of most bollywood, but perhaps more entertaining even if its a little more hackneyed than recent stuff. 

but In the Loop is the Spinal Tap of political humour. 

Nikita
I really did not like how it started but after an hour or so it became good. Shame about the synthesizer soundtrack and sometimes the (rest of the) painfully Eighties-ness. Embassy & Victor, bleh. Ending, well, moving (*sniff*...).

Overall a really cool movie but misses a lot of character. I probably will not watch it again, at least not many times, but still I'd recommend it. 

Actually Nikita left quite an impression. Nice! 

Actually Nikita left quite an impression. Nice! 

Thanks to everyone that recommended this, I just finished watching the last episode of season 4 and it was fucking brilliant!

Great characters, acting etc, really can't fault it. I think my favourite had to be Omar the shotgun totting pirate :) You feel me?

If you haven't seen this, check it out! 

Drag Me to Hell - Awesome movie, has that classic Sam Raimi taste to it. Very fun, especially the comical "horror" scenes which Raimi is known for. The movie was so brutal on the poor main character that my dad suggested the Raimis lost a ton of money because of the banking sector collapse and this was their way of venting their anger. They put her through so much shit it's almost unfair, but at the same time a super blast to watch.

Various Nightmare on Elm Street movies - Garbage. The 2nd one seemed to have to deal with nothing but homosexual overtones, the 4th one didn't even try to be scary and was mainly just about killing people in different ways (as are most slasher movies) and in each one the characters were all lifeless, bland 1.5 dimensional bags of meat. Meh. It was pretty awesome to see how bad the times were in the 80s though - fashion and music mainly. Pretty crazy throwback to my child hood, when I actually thought these movies were scary. 

you knwo there's 5 seasons right? I havent seen the fifth one yet, but just checking that you dontmiss out :)

And yeah Omar is great, but my personal favorite is the Bunk.

Zwiffle, I saw Drag Me to Hell a few days ago, dunno didnt like it that much. It was neat and well made but not quite comic enough or scary enough IMHO. Still better than Saw/Hostel 50 and all those other remakes. 

Nitin you are a life saver!

Have a cookie. 

also check out Carnivale next if you havent already. 

Avatar 3D - Visuals are nice overall, although the live action stuff looks pants in 3d, the depth of field is not right at all and is pretty distracting. But the fully cgi 3d stuff is definitely impressive, the highlight being the dragon flying sequence midway through.

But the scripting, especially the dialogue, is downright atrocious. Think first half of Titanic but delivered by worst actors.

5.5-6/10 

delivered by w�rst actors. 

Why did I even bother watching one of the new Scrubs episodes? Now I have to watch them all. They are super super super crap. Save yourself the pain. 

I have exactly the same problem.

And yeh, they're so bad it makes my eyes bleed...