"American Violet" 2008

Along the lines of "Erin Brokovich", this is a story of a big win for a small minority. It will really open your eyes to the injustices of the American Justice system. There are a couple of statistics at the end of the film which are quite chilling and which make you realise why the film is so important. Compelling viewing.

"Bright Star" 2009

Abbie Cornish ("Candy") & Ben Wishaw ("Perfume") are excellent in this Georgian (1714 to 1830 according to Wikipedia) love story about poet John Keats by Jane Campion ("The Piano", "The Portrait of a Lady" & "Holy Smoke").    If you like the period costumes, a bit of poetry and a good love story, you'll probably love this film.  Even though I'm a big fan of Jane Campion's work, this sort of thing doesn't really float my boat. Margaret & David rated it very highly (4.5 & 5 stars), click here to see their review.

"Precious" 2009

Gritty, seedy, shocking, sad, tragic, cruel and upsetting, this is a story of relentless abuse - there is nothing "pleasant" about this film. Oscar worthy performances from Gabourey Sidibe & Mo'Nique, however, make for a powerful and compelling experience where hope and survival ulimately triumph. Paula Patton and Mariah Carey (yes Mariah Carey) are excellent in their supporting roles. Even uber cool Lenny Karvitz turns up in his film debut. In spite of the subject matter this is a must see!

"Serious Moonlight" 2009

Meg Ryan & Timothy Hutton. Imagine a movie where the male lead spends the majority of the movie on the toilet. No, well neither could I . Meg Ryan plays psycho woman in this somewhat incredulous plot. Brilliant twist in the last 5 seconds. I found it quite funny but the female majority in the household panned it.

"My Sister's Keeper" 2009

superb performances from Cameron Diaz & the 2 young actors Sofia Vassileva and Abigail Breslin. Intense, emotional, engaging, challenging, sad and heartwarming. Brilliant! I can't ask for anything more from a movie. 1 Karen Collins hanky star.

"Sleepwalking" 2008

great performances from Nick Stahl, a very unglamorous Charlize Theron & young AnnaSophia Robb who's in the same league as Dakota Fanning! A somewhat bleak, gritty drama, sleepwalking is about struggles, motherly & brotherly love and opression.

"Adam" 2009

Rose Byrne & Hugh Dancy are fabulous in this interstesting & sensitive portrayal of a relationship involving someone who is a little different (aren't we all?). Reminded me a little of 500 days of Summer. If you enjoyed that you'll probably enjoy this.

"Up in the Air" 2009

Great casting with George Clooney & Vera Farmiga. A bit different, quite thought provoking & quite funny. George Clooney at his best.

"The Invention of Lying" 2009

Ricky Gervais co-wrote, co-directed & stars in this quirky film along the lines of "Liar Liar". A good idea, but the film seemed a bit basic to me. Maybe I missed the more subtle aspects of it...

Music Review - "Conditions" - The Temper Trap

Early Holdens had 3 speed gearboxes. Many modern cars have 5 or 6 gears. The go now is 8 speeds! It sounds to me like bass player Johnathon Aherne has even more than that - his basslines are so cool they send me into raptures. Dougie Mandagi's dynamic soaring vocals are pure joy. For alt rock lovers this album is pure gold. 2 of THE best singles released in the last year ("Sweet Disposition" & "Love Lost") are definite highlights but the whole album rocks!