The Back-Up Plan (2010)

Despite effects to be a little more edgy (A single soon to be mum via IVF, is the female lead) this film is still rather formulaic.
The movie was bearable mostly due to Lopez.
Mostly you will sit their thinking " Why is Jennifer Lopez still doing this type of film?"

Double Indemnity (1944)

"I wonder if I know what you mean."
"I wonder if you wonder." - Double Indemnity


My first foray into the "Film Noir" genre and I was pleasantly surprised.
A sexy yet dark study on human behaviour through the use of interesting characters with great lines! The dialogue was fast paced (definitely a product of the time) - I just adored it.

I liked the dark lighting and the shadowing of this film and can understand why it is so influential.

Image from here

Valentine's Day (2010)

The combination of Gary Marshall and Julia Roberts did not help this awful film. Which is up there as one of the worst films I have ever seen.
Why? Think of it as just another "RomCom" that was not funny the first time.

Almost as bad as Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, almost.

The Wrestler (2009)

I was hesitant to watch this film as the film poster looked less than appealing.
But I was glad I did as The Wrestler was one of the best films I have ever seen.

I was very much struck by the father daughter dynamic as it came across as very realistic.

An extremely well done film.

Avatar

I had a strange feeling I had seen Avatar before. Judging by the fact that I have seen the following films; Dancing with Wolves, The Last Samurai and Cirque De soleil at IMAX, I will deduce that I have.
While the narrative did seem like a collage of previous films. The real point of difference (and I'm sure the catalyst for its world wide phenomenon) was the advanced use of 3D technology and CGI.

I cannot say that I am a fan of film however, had I have watched it in 3D, I may have been.

Bicylce Thief (1948)

Beautiful tragic film.

I thought the acting was brilliant by the non-actors in this film (makes one wonder if all films should use non-actors).

It felt very real and honest giving the viewer an amazing perspective of Italy in that time through the story of an ordinary man.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Classic film. I was supprised by how good this film was. I thought I would have found it a little boring however, the opening scene with snowglobe smashing to the floor with the famous "Rosebud" hooked me right from the start.

"I always gagged on the silver spoon" - Citizen Kane

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Chop Shop (2007)

Gritty and engaging, 'Chop Shop' is definitly one of the best American films I have seen in a very long time.

The film portrays an element of New York many people are likely unfamiliar with (as was I). The poverty, the violence, the racial divisions and how that feels for a child growing up in that world.

The film felt authentic and the characters were not overdone. A real nod to neo-realism.