The Ides Of March (2011)

14 April 2012 - I've been waiting a while to see this film as it never seemed to make the local cinemas, certainly not at any time I could get along. A fine political film, about a Democratic Presidential primary in Ohio, it was worth the wait. It features three of the finest screen actors we currently have George Clooney, who also co-writes, produces and directs, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti. Fine performances too from Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei. Highly recommended.

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)

8 April 2012 - Finally got round to watching this film about Ian Dury. Andy Serkis is very good as Ian but the real find is Bill Milner as Baxter Dury. A good film as films about Rock'n'Roll go and, of course, the music is excellent. Worth a watch.

Lourdes (2009)

7 April 2012 - I managed to watch 40 minutes of this film. Slow and no discernible plot. Terrible. Avoid!

Ironclad (2011)

24 March 2012 - A great cast including James Purefoy, Derek Jacobi, Charles Dance, Mackenzie Crook and Paul Giamati, on particularly excellent form as King John, make this film well worth seeing. It's gory but gives what appears to be an accurate picture of 13th century warfare. Whilst the historical accuracy may leave something to be desired it's well worth seeing.

Precious (2009)

18 February 2012 - Although the ingredients are bleak - incestuous rape, under-age pregnancy, lack of education - this film actually ends on an upbeat note. The important message is that no one is worthless.
Excellent performances from all the cast but especially the Oscar winning Mo'nique, Gabby Sidibe, Paula Patton and an almost unrecognisable Mariah Carey.

A Prophet (2009)

1 February 2012 - This is my first French language of the year. Directed by Jacques Audiard (The Beat That My Heart Skipped), it tells the story of Malik El Djebena, a 19 year old who goes to prison for six years and is rapidly drawn in to serious crime. He survives by using his wits to play each faction against each other.
Highly recommended.

The Descendants (2011)

29 January 2012 - This is the latest addition to Alexander Payne's list of fine films, following About Schmidt and Sideways.
Matt King has to come to terms with the impending death of his wife while learning of her infidelity, wondering how he will raise his daughters and deal with a huge land sale.
George Clooney, arguably our finest English language screen actor, turns in an outstanding performance.
Highly recommended.

X-Men First Class (2011)

27 January 2012 - Prequels don't always work but this is a very entertaining 2 hours or so, especially when watched at home on Blu-ray with beer and pizza.
An excellent performance from Michael Fassbinder and decent from James McAvoy and Kevin Bacon. Unfortunately Rose Byrne is almost as wooden as she was in Damages.

Green Lantern (2011)

12 January 2012 - This is not the greatest Superhero film ever made, that's probably The Dark Knight, but it sticks fairly closely to the Silver Age DC comics story. Particularly hammy acting from Peter Sarsgaard but it passes an undemanding 1 hour 50 minutes or so. They set up the sequel at the end but it's doubtful that it will it get made now.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

1 January 2012 – Despite mixed reviews I enjoyed this, thanks to a well plotted story and a fine performance from Rooney Mara as the titular girl. I’m going to seek out the original Swedish version and read the book now.