Veronica Mars
The script is as sharp as ever, and all the feminist, postmodernist, Raymond-Chandler-meets-Nancy-Drew elements are present and correct.
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Tag Archives: Mystery
Zero Dark Thirty
The last 40 minutes or so practically comprise another film in its own right, as we follow the special forces unit that infiltrate the compound in Pakistan. It’s masterfully handled and a tense piece of filmmaking, despite the fact we all know how it ends.
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Jack Reacher
He has a reasonably clear moral code but isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, and has no qualms about killing a man if he feels they deserve it. Cruise handles the intimidation side of the role well, even though he never gets to be physically imposing. (One gets the feeling that he spent most of the shoot in platform shoes.)
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Gosick Collection 2
I wasn’t exactly craving a love triangle, but it’s a pity that her character wasn’t more fully developed. Kujo and Victorique’s relationship grows exponentially, on the other hand, though never gets tiresome.
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Gosick
Gosick isn’t an action-based show by any means, but on the occasions when there are flurries of violence, the animation captures the action beautifully. The score and voice acting is perfect also.
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Scream 4
So, 11 years later we have Scream 4. Firstly, Kevin Williamson is back on board, so the film is instantly better than the third instalment. Secondly, it manages to completely stun the audience with an opening that has to be seen to be believed.
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The Silence
Director Baran bo Odar certainly doesn’t deal in subtlety. The film comprises several big, bombastic moments. The score and cinematography serve to highlight this, and whilst they do have a tendency to draw unnecessary attention to their presence, all the elements come together to create a truly cinematic experience.
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Buried
Like all good confined space thrillers, Buried uses its confined setting to the fullest, deftly taking us through every narrative possibility as Paul does everything he can to get out alive. There wasn’t a dull moment in this film – it moves at a cracking pace.
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This is a truly brave film, and one that gives hope that films can be made the way their story demands, immune to the influence of what ‘will sell’. Cortez and Reynolds should be applauded.
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The Girl Who Played with Fire
The performances are fine, excepting for the cartoon villains, and Noomi Rapace really does make the titular role her own – it’s hard to imagine how Rooney Mara will be able to do any better in the remake – but the film is at worst, silly, and at best, frustrating.
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The Secret in Their Eyes
The Secret in Their Eyes might remain somewhat elusive for foreign audiences who won’t have directly witnessed those troubles. This is something of a shame; while an explanatory voiceover certainly would have diminished the film’s effect, a more complete understanding of the era could well enhance it.
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