I’ll be curious to see how this film fares in the long run, as it’s impossible to say just how significant the social networking site will be in a decade or two. Imagine if a Myspace film had been made – copies of the DVD would be clogging up the bargain bins right about now…
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Social Network
Whether we’re watching them plunge into love or we’re witnessing things falling apart, it’s impossible to point the finger at either Dean or Cindy. Without ever taking lazy narrative steps, it’s fascinating to watch elements of their relationship that are planted in the past grow to fruition in the present.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Blue Valentine
This really is a strange film. The historical sections are pitch perfect, and it’s such a fascinating story that it’s a pity they had to be sullied by the regular intrusions of the embarrassing present. Worse still, the final section of the film seems like it will never finish until, miraculously, it ends on an incredibly touching note.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: 
Continue reading Sarah’s Key
It all hinges on Lawrence’s stunning performance and some beautifully written dialogue that manages to make foul-mouthed slang sound like poetry. The only disappointment is perhaps that the film never gives the audience exactly what it wants – which is, paradoxically, also a blessing.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Winter’s Bone
As a performer, Affleck also impresses. This is on par with his great performances, and he seems to have no problem directing himself. Jeremy Renner is strong also, as Doug’s partner in crime, James Coughlin.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Town
The lead character, brilliantly played by Sylvie Testud, is quite abhorrent at times, yet one cannot resist watching her stumble through life seemingly without a care for anyone around her – and this is before she gets addicted to cocaine and prescription drugs.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Sagan
Timing, they say, is everything, and yet it is unfortunately rare to see a film so wonderfully conducted as this one. Waititi allows his film a gently comic introduction that adroitly establishes time, place and milieu, before swiftly and surely introducing the crises that Boy must overcome, and then deftly pulling everything together to end in just 87 minutes.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Boy
Foster conveys all this and more in a facial tick, or a look that could break hearts the world over. Above all else he is required to be taciturn, and were it not for his great talent there is no way his character could be so successfully conveyed.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Messenger
Miranda Otto’s performance carries the film, essentially, and it’s fascinating to watch such a shy, lonely and eager to please person as Meredith try to survive on a remote island with a population of exactly eight people.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading South Solitary
Moore and Bening are excellent, with each bringing very different women to life, both of whom have real flaws and foibles. Nic and Jules are very well written characters indeed, but both benefit from the skill of the performers.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Kids Are All Right