Her (2014): Two Line Review

Lead by a masterful performance by Phoenix, this clever, thought-provoking and scarily realistic film explores a detailed and poignant not-too-distant future. Some Jonze genius, if a little slow-paced.

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 8.4/10
Critics Opinion: 9.4/10

Her - Spike Jonze

Two Faces of January: Exciting Trailer

Two Faces of January

Director: Hossein Amini

Starring: Kirsten Dunst

               Viggo Mortensen

               Oscar Isaac

UK Release Date: 16th May 2014

The Monuments Men (2014): Two Line Review

Not quite an action, nor a comedy, nor an epic, nor a heist movie, Clooney's noble-intentions for this tale falls underwhelmingly between the four, which lacks storyline development making it fall flat.

Thinking Film Rating: 4/10

Public Opinion: 6.5/10

Critics Opinion: 3.4/10

The Monuments Men - George Clooney

The Notebook (2004): Two Line Review

A timeless romantic classic. The chemistry between Gosling and McAdams is perfectly mirrored in that between Rowlands and Garner. Very watchable and totally moving - bring the tissues! 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 8/10

Critics Opinion: 5.2/10

The Notebook - Nick Cassavetes 

Thinking Film's Top 10 Films of 2013

With just a couple more hours until the BAFTAs, the Thinking Film team reflect on their own favourite films of 2013.

10 = The Great Gatsby: 8.5/10

If you love pure grandeur and spectacle then look no further! Luhrmann cleverly packs stunning visuals design with fantastic performances and a great modern soundtrack. Watch on the big screen.

10 = Gravity: 8.5/10

Oscar-worthy cinematography creates the atmosphere in this successful film from Cuarón and Bullock. Despite the cheesy score and monologue moments, this is still an unmissable experience.

9. Philomena: 8.5/10

Judi Dench shines in an emotional and heartfelt tale that delivers a perfect mix of drama and comedy.  Coogan supports brilliantly, with fantastic chemistry between the pair. Worthy British fare!

8. Stoker: 9/10

Park Chan-wook's brilliantly dark and twisted style is still very apparent in his English language debut, albeit toned down and refined. Although this restraint may have made the film more powerful.

7. Trance: 9/10

Another example of Danny Boyle genius, a cleverly planned plot that keeps you thinking until clicking nicely into place. A stylish, sometimes brutal, modern film noir.

6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: 9/10

Another strong film in The Hobbit franchise, the design and performances are perfect. The only small quibble is that the ending climax scene goes on for needlessly long, but otherwise fantastic fun.

5. About Time: 9/10

A wonderful story, beautifully acted and fantastically written in a manner we have come to expect from Curtis. An emotional rollercoaster filled with love, humour and a big heart - bring tissues!  

4. Prince Avalanche: 9/10

Rudd gives the performance of his career in this wonderful film from Green, he is perfectly balanced with Hirsch. Some laughs, some emotion and plenty of enjoyment from this very touching movie.  

3. 12 Years a Slave: 9.5/10

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!    

2. Blackfish: 9.5/10

An incredibly impassioned, moving and important documentary. An emotional argument that makes bold statements about our relationship with nature. It has the power to make a difference.  

1. Captain Phillips: 10/10

Tom Hanks leads a brilliant cast in an absolutely must see film! With well-developed characters, the scenarios and action never feel overdramatised. Get ready for an intense two hours!

BAFTA Best Picture: Thinking Film Ratings

With the BAFTAs just a day away, it's time for a round up of Thinking Films thoughts on the Best Picture nominations

5. American Hustle 6.5/10 

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.

4. Philomena 8.5/10

Judi Dench shines in an emotional and heartfelt tale that delivers a perfect mix of drama and comedy.  Coogan supports brilliantly, with fantastic chemistry between the pair. Worthy British fare!

3. Gravity 8.5/10

Oscar-worthy cinematography creates the atmosphere in this successful film from Cuarón and Bullock. Despite the cheesy score and monologue moments, this is still an unmissable experience.

2. 12 Years a Slave 9.5/10

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!  

1. Captain Phillips 10/10

Tom Hanks leads a brilliant cast in an absolutely must see film! With well-developed characters, the scenarios and action never feel overdramatised. Get ready for an intense two hours!

Cuban Fury (2014): Two Line Review

While not pretending to be anything other than a straight down-the-line rom-com, Frost and O'Dowd banter with some great dialogue and chemistry. Also, look out for a great Novak. A great deal of fun!

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 6.9/10

Critics Opinion: 5.2/10

Cuban Fury - James Griffiths

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013): Two Line Review

A moody, melancholy piece from the Coen brothers, that delivers some heartfelt folk music, unfortunately, the lack of plot and character development hinders a great overall performances.

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 7.8/10
Critics Opinion: 9.4/10

Inside Llewyn Davis - Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Ernest and Célestine: Exciting Trailer

Ernest and Célestine

Director: Stéphanie Aubier

               Vincent Patar

               Benjamin Renner

Starring: Lambert Wilson

               Pauline Brunner

UK Release Date: Already Released

Apollo 13 (1995): Two Line Review

A solid ensemble performance lead by Hanks, does a good job of a well-adapted screenplay. Often patriotic, emotional score-heavy and with dated SFX, it still creates a great atmosphere of reality.

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10
Critics Opinion: 9.5/10

Apollo 13 - Ron Howard

The East (2013): Two Line Review

A provoking and thought-inducing thriller (the best kind) with great performances, Unfortunately it lacked the force and grit needed to take it to the next level and the ending felt a bit of a sell-out.

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.4/10
Critics Opinion: 6.9/10

The East - Zal Batmanglij

The Hunger Games (2012): Two Line Review

Sanitised for younger audiences with little plot-line explanation, performances were average but the film excels at restraint and doesn't overdo the dramatic moments, allowing a lack of violence.

Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.3/10
Critics Opinion: 8.4/10

The Hunger Games - Gary Ross

Finding Neverland (2004): Two Line Review

A sweet, restrained film full of charm and heart. The premise is simple with solid, unstated performances from Depp and Winslet even if the kids were a little weak, a great family film.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.3/10

Finding Neverland - Marc Forster

Jai Ho (2014): Two Line Review

Lacking subtlety in every way, Jai Ho is a piece of light-hearted fun for those who want self-righteous morals frequently thrown at them. The dance sequences were great but the editing a little crazy.

Thinking Film Rating: 4/10

Public Opinion: 6.7/10

Critics Opinion: NYK

Jai Ho - Sohail Khan

Gravity (2013): Two Line Review

Oscar-worthy cinematography creates the atmosphere in this successful film from Cuarón and Bullock. Despite the cheesy score and monologue moments, this is still an unmissable experience.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.3/10
Critics Opinion: 9.7/10

Gravity - Alfonso Cuarón

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

Two Line Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Another strong film in The Hobbit franchise, the design and performances are perfect. The only small quibble is that the ending climax scene goes on for needlessly long, but otherwise fantastic fun.

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 8.3/10
Critics Opinion: 7.4/10

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Peter Jackson

Two Line Review: Despicable Me (2010)

A surprisingly funny film that is great for all the family. Great characters and a good new twist on the superhero/super-villain theme, twinned with solid animation, make a strong release from Universal.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10
Critics Opinion: 8.1/10

Despicable Me - Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Two Line Review: Epic (2013)

An animation that feels more focused towards the kids than the adults. The environmentalist theme seems a little old and the performances are a bit shaky but the animation is strong.

Thinking Film Rating: 4.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.7/10
Critics Opinion: 6.4/10

Epic - Chris Wedge

Exciting Trailer: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

Starring: Gary Oldman
               Andy Serkis
               Judy Greer

UK Release Date: 17th July 2014

Two Line Review: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

A well-written rom-com that is enjoyable for women and men. It is as fun and frivolous as the Portokalos family and has some great moments and fantastic characters that everyone can relate to.

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.5/10
Critics Opinion: 7.6/10

My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Joel Zwick

Two Line Review: The Holiday (2006)

While it may be over-acted, overly-cheesy and very predictable, it is a fun, easy-watching Christmas film that remains a annual classic, and features Jack Black being pretty cool!

Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.8/10
Critics Opinion: 4.7/10

The Holiday - Nancy Meyers

Two Line Review: On The Road (2012)

A mood board of a film charting the adventures of a wanna-be writer. Beautiful design sets up a some nice performances and surprising cameos, but ultimately this is a slow film with little story.

Thinking Film Review: 6/10

Public Opinion: 6.1/10

Critics Opinion: 4.4/10

On The Road - Walter Sallasq

Two Line Review: This Is The End (2013)

Started strong with lots of laughs, nice concept and great cameos, but spiralled quickly downhill. There was potential, but for the nauseating bromance theme and continual drug and sex gags.

Thinking Film Rating: 5.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.0/10
Critics Opinion: 8.3/10

This Is The End - Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen

Two Line Review: To Rome With Love (2012)

A fun, quirky and light-hearted film from Allen, that seems to both celebrate and take the mick out of Italian mysticism and celebrity culture, taking inspiration from classic Commedia dell'arte!

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 6.3/10
Critics Opinion: 4.3/10

To Rome With Love - Woody Allen

Exciting Trailer: The Book Thief

The Book Thief

Director: Brian Percival

Starring: Sophie Nelisee

               Geoffrey Rush

               Emily Watson

UK Release Date: 31st January 2014