Ex Machina (2015): Two Line Review

A brilliantly mind-turning concept that fully explores the idea of AI self-awareness. The tension and storyline unfolds steadily with great performances from all three main cast. Best sci-fi of the year!

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Gone Girl (2014): Two Line Review

A gripping, dark thriller that is recognisably helmed by David Fincher. Slightly let down by one-dimensional performances of two dimensional characters, a trip to the cinema is still recommended.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 8.7/10
Critics Opinion: 8.7/10

Gone Girl - David Fincher

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): Two Line Review

A sequel that manages to outdo its predecessor. The gripping franchise continues with all cast on top form, Lawrence in particular. The gritty feel still shines through despite the heightened budget. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.8/10

Critics Opinion: 8.9/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Francis Lawrence

Wish I Was Here (2014): Two Line Review

A heartfelt and moving film that is that manages to capture the rawness and humour that was so present in Braff's breakout, Garden State. Two-hours that truly show the art and power of a movie. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.2/10

Critics Opinion: 4.6/10

Wish I Was Here: Zach Braff

The Maze Runner (2014): Two Line Review

On the surface, the concept seems strong, unfortunately the storyline, acting and design didn't begin to match up. May hit it's existing fanbase, but can easily be passed by for everyone else.

Thinking Film Rating: 5/10

Public Opinion: 7.5/10
Critics Opinion: 6.2/10

The Maze Runner - Wes Ball

Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story (2009): Two Line Review

An engagingly brief look at the life of Eddie Izzard and the tenacity and belief that drove him. Full of early (ropey) sketches, with clips of his most famous moments, this is a must-see for Izzard fans. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 7.2/10

Critics Opinion: N/A

Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story - Sarah Townsend

Fading Gigolo (2013): Two Line Review

While there is some nice cinematography, this film seems to meander slowly through it's story without much sense of character or plot explanations, accompanied by a distracting soundtrack.

Thinking Film Rating: 3/10

Public Opinion: 6.3/10
Critics Opinion: 5.4/10

Fading Gigolo - John Turturro

Locke (2013): Two Line Review

A one man tour-de-force from Tom Hardy, who shows his considerable skill in a film with an intriguing premise. Despite this, the story is only just engaging enough to see you through the 85 min run time.

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10

Critics Opinion: 8.9/10

Locke - Steven Knight

Rock of Ages (2012): Two Line Review

A fairly weak stage to screen adaptation with a predictable plot.  Full of classic songs (some were covered ok), but it was hard to see what the screen offered that the stage didn't do ten times better. 

Thinking Film Rating: 4/10

Public Opinion: 5.9/10

Critics Opinion: 4.1/10

Rock of Ages - Adam Shankman

What We Do In The Shadows (2014): Two Line Review

Fang-tastically funny vampire mockumentary with a fantastic ensemble performance, although Clement and Waititi steal the show. If you thought it was too late for a vampire parody, think again!

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.2/10
Critics Opinion: 9.2/10

What We Do In The Shadows - Jermaine Clement & Taika Waititi

Hector and the Search For Happiness (2014): Two Line Review

While rather heavy-handed in it's core themes, this is a charming film with a great lead performance from Pegg. His travels have a real edge which makes the message all the more potent.

Thinking Film Review: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.5/10
Critics Opinion: 2.5/10

Hector and the Search for Happiness - Peter Chelsom

Dead Poets Society (1989): Two Line Review

Whilst not appreciating poetry as much as the next person, this is a brilliant film with a strong message of Carpe Diem (seize the day)! A great ensemble performance, top a nicely told story.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.5/10

Dead Poets Society - Peter Weir

The Five-Year Engagement (2012): Two Line Review

A sub-par romantic-comedy despite the stellar cast, the characters ended up rather unlikable due to a weak script. The solutions seemed so obvious, it felt like the characters deserved their problems.

Thinking Film Review: 4/10

Public Opinion: 6.2/10
Critics Opinion: 6.3/10

The Five-Year Engagement - Nicholas Stoller

The Inbetweeners 2 (2014): Two Line Review

Had a few funny moments, but generally this follow up had unlikable, over-done characters (even the main four), needlessly crude humour and didn't seem to follow on from the last film at all.

Thinking Film Rating: 4.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10
Critics Opinion: 8/10

The Inbetweeners 2 - Damon Beesley, Iain Morris

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Two Line Review

Hands down, the best thing to come out of Marvel ever! Laugh-out-loud funny, cooky, incredibly entertaining and topped off with a great soundtrack - the blockbuster of the summer! 

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 8.8/10

Critics Opinion: 9.2/10

Guardians of the Galaxy - James Gunn

Tangled (2010): Two Line Review

A Disney flick for the new generation; easy to watch, funny and, at times, touching. The story is pretty generic but, in touch with the new age, this princess feels like she actually has some depth. 

Thinking Film Review: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critics Opinion: 8.9/10

Tangled - Nathan Greno, Byron Howard

Amélie (2001): Two Line Review

A feel-good charmer, this French flick manages a harmonious balance between quirky style and engaging story, while taking us on a magical trip across Paris with a great cast of characters.

Thinking Film Rating: 9.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.5/10

Critics Opinion: 8.8/10

Amélie - Jean Pierre Jeunet

Frozen (2013): Two Line Review

A relatively average Disney outing that had a number of glaring plot questions that were never explained. There are a few catchy songs and characters but the storyline is just so simple. 

Thinking Film Rating: 5.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.9/10

Frozen - Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Ratatouille (2007): Two Line Review

A nicely original Pixar animation celebrating food and France. Stereotypical characters are made up by an enchanting story and beautiful design, with a heartfelt message to follow your dreams.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 8/10
Critics Opinion: 9.6/10

Ratatouille - Brad Bird

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Two Line Review

A brilliant addition to the franchise, Dawn of Apes takes CGI up a notch, with great turns from Serkis et al. A perfect blend of awesome action and emotional story makes for a great summer blockbuster.

Thinking Film Review: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.6/10
Critics Opinion: 9.1/10

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Matt Reeves