The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Split Opinion - Two Two Line Reviews

1. Di Caprio is the perfect match for Scorsese in this black comedic film, his portrayal of Belfort is captivating and unapologetic. This celebration of greed and immorality makes for a Scorsese classic!

2. A good performance from Di Caprio did not alter the fact that the film was unnecessarily long with  largely repetitive scenes, relying too heavily on shock value and not enough on the winding plot

1. Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10
2. Thinking Film Rating: 5.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.6/10

Critics Opinion: 7.7/10

The Wolf of Wall Street - Martin Scorsese

Lagaan (2001): Two Line Review

A lavish and epic production with great choroeography, songs and brilliantly theatrical performances. Led by Aamir Khan, the man who can do no wrong, this is a fantastic introduction to Bollywood.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.4/10
Critics Opinion: 9.5/10

Lagaan - Ashutosh Gowariker

The Act of Killing (2012): Two Line Review

Interestingly stylised and taking its subjects and audience on a confrontational and raw journey. However, many of the reveals come early on and there is a slight repetitive feel for much of the film.

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 8.3/10

Critics Opinion: 9.5/10

The Act of Killing - Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous and Christine Cynn

The Cove (2009): Two Line Review

An eye-opening documentary that succeeds in it's purpose of making the viewer outraged at the situation in Taijii. It tightly grips your attention as it reveals the true horror of the filmmaker's journey. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.5/10

Critics Opinion: 9.4/10

The Cove - Louie Psihoyos

12 Years a Slave (2013): Two Line Review

Outstanding performances in a very brutal but incredible film. Embarking upon McQueen's wonderfully directed journey is not for the faint hearted but is definitely recommended!     

Thinking Film Rating: 9.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.5/10

Critics Opinion: 9.7/10

12 Years a Slave - Steve McQueen 

Exciting Trailer: Only Lovers Left Alive

Only Lovers Left Alive

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Starring: Tilda Swinton

               Tom Hiddleston

               Mia Wasikowska

UK Release Date: 21st February 2014

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013): Two Line Review

Respect to the film for presenting Mandela as a flawed character, but this sacrificed his likability and so it was harder to sympathise with him. Still it's a solid turn for Elba and Harris, with great locations.

Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10

Critics Opinion: 5.7/10

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom - Justin Chadwick

Bernie (2011): Two Line Review

A fantastically understated performance from Jack Black crowns a darkly funny film. The story and characters are great but, sadly, the mockumentary style quickly becomes quite flat and repetitive. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 6.8/10
Critics Opinion: 9/10

Bernie - Richard Linklater

The Kings of Summer (2013): Two Line Review

A fun Indie film with a smooth storyline and some real heart. The younger actors are almost there but it sometimes feels like they are trying too hard, except Arias who completely steals the show.

Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.2/10
Critics Opinion: 7.6/10

The Kings of Summer - Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Saving Mr. Banks (2013): Two Line Review

With some truly poignant moments and a fantastic cast, this is a film not to be missed. Thompson, Hanks, Farrell and Buckley are all truly Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! 

Thinking Film Review: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.8/10

Critics Opinion: 8.1/10

Saving Mr. Banks - John Lee Hancock

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): Split Opinion - Two Two Line Reviews

1. A great concept and good deadpan humour, yet this felt like it was kept light-hearted and shallow for mainstream appeal. Too much screen-time in New York and not enough of the big wide world.

2. A fantastic story that will set your imagination running. Mitty's story inspires in a clever way, gripping the viewer and allowing him/her to connect with Mitty and his life. Job well done Stiller.

1. Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

2. Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.7/10
Critics Opinion: 5.0/10

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Ben Stiller

Two Line Review: American Hustle (2013)

Lawrence steals the show in this smart but smugly self-satisfied film. It was generally well acted and contained good dialogue however, the story felt a little long and was somewhat underwhelming.

Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critics Opinion: 9.3/10

American Hustle - David O. Russell

Two Line Review: Anchorman 2 (2013)

As with all Will Ferrell film, the comedy is extremely hit and miss, but there are enough real laughs if you are willing to stoop to the ridiculous humour. Steve Carell and Paul Rudd were the standouts.

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10
Critics Opinion: 7.5/10

Anchorman 2 - Adam McKay

Two Line Review: 47 Ronin (2013)

The beautiful landscapes are the only redeeming factor in this over-acted, over-designed, over-scored and sadly underwhelming film. Tried too hard to be epic, and ended up with too many cliches.

Thinking Film Rating: 2.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.7/10
Critics Opinion: 1.0/10

47 Ronin - Carl Rinsch

Two Line Review: Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Sadly lacking in relation to the original, the new characters felt a little weak and the storyline a bit forced. There were some great moments, but they were a little few and far between.

Thinking Film Rating: 5.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10
Critics Opinion: 7.4/10

Despicable Me 2 - Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Two Line Review: Some Like It Hot (1959)

A brilliantly written film that offers a lot of laughs and hilarity even today. The chemistry between Curtis and Lemmon is fantastic, and if taken lightly is a highly enjoyable watch.

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 8.4/10
Critics Opinion: 9.8/10

Some Like It Hot - Billy Wilder