CineRik

Split over two parts, this is a gangster film done right.  Vincent Cassel in the lead is charming, but never shies away from Mesrine’s brutality in order to glamorize his character.  Even at a combined running time of four hours, the story sizzles from start to finish.  Highly recommended.  I flip and spill the beans here.

A superb portrayal of the effects of terminal cancer on a family.  Filled with torturous and exquisite details, as well as an astounding performance by Jesper Christiansen as a dying father, I found this film captivating and cathartic.  My full review is here.

A more impartial perspective from the film makers would have added strength to this documentary about Mexico’s archaic (in)justice system.  Watch it for the facts, but be prepared to filter out unnecessary emotional appeals.  I deliver my full verdict here.

A surreal tale of a Romanian single mother who, when questioned by child services, recounts a story of kidnap, ghostly marching bands and playing Joan of Arc in a Manchester brothel.  Visually extravagant it feels Lynchian in structure, though perhaps trading a little intellectual complexity for emotional availability.  Highly recommended.  I refuse to pimp myself out here.

Daniel Burmeister is the heart and soul of cinema.  Nursing his battered car from one small Argentinean village to another, he offers his services as a film maker in exchange for food and lodging, nothing more.  In return, he turns the locals into film stars, throwing their collective work up on a sheet in a village hall in under a month.  A documentary to warm the coldest soul.  My review marches down the red carpet here.

Tim Burton’s star continues to plummet with a film that is too weird for those who don’t like his style, and too boring for those who do.  Not even a grinning cat can save it…  I brandish my vorpal sword and slay the bloated beast here.

Michael Moore once again mixes an important message with self-defeating stunts.  Well worth a watch, but be prepared to roll your eyes on occasion.  I prescribe the cure for Moore here.

As lazy with its story as it is excessive in its presentation, Avatar is a huge disappointment from the man who gave us The Terminator and Aliens.  Not a great harbinger for the ‘future of cinema’.  I sink my claws into the film here.

A flawed but worthy look at the lives of children who, having been brought to America illegally by their parents, become undocumented and liable for deportation when they turn 18.  Moving, without becoming schmaltzy, the documentary could do with backing up its emotional content with hard facts and figures, but it is still well worth a look to put a human face on this rarely discussed issue.  Find my full review here.

Jason Segel flounders in a role that should have gone to Vince Vaughn.  Unlikable people, impossible relationships and far too few laughs.  Elephants not allowed here.