CineRik

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.

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.

Gorgeous visuals couldn’t resurrect my interest in this musical.  Extraneous characters, a lack of catchy tunes and a story which takes the least direct route to its climax possible.  My autopsy can be found here.

An entirely unremarkable haunting tale.  A couple of good performances, and some nice atmosphere, but it quickly runs out of steam.  Things go bump in the night here.

Six episodes culled from a reality TV show about a woman trying to drop her weight from nearly 500lbs before it kills her.  She is charming but, unless you are looking for inspiration to lose weight yourself, I don’t see the appeal in putting someone else’s suffering under the microscope.  I guarantee a zero-calorie review here.

A thriller which lacks thrills doesn’t have a lot going for it!  With more plot holes than you can shake a stick at, and characters we don’t know well enough to care about, this one really isn’t going anywhere.  If you care enough to find out why I don’t, click here.

Reviewed at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival

A fanatical American Football fan finds his loyalty streched when the player he idolises beats him senseless.  A superb performace by Patton Oswalt can’t save this film from its uneven tone and flabby middle act.  I cheer and boo here.

The strength of this film’s story is diluted by the cartoon-like characters and the unnecessary melodrama.  But the inevitable climax packs a hefty punch.  Find my full review here.

Reviewed at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival

The third in the Coffin Joe horror series from Brazil, although separated from its predecessors by over forty years. The film is too rampantly misogynistic for my tastes, but delivers all and more of the expected gore.  I sink my teeth in here.