Bedways

Bedways

I recall seeing two new German films last year and both of them were highly erotic. Sadly, only one of them was any good, and even more sadly, it wasn't this one. "Bedways" is about a female film director who wants to make an art-porn film with her two friends, but never really gets started as the focus always seems to end up elsewhere. Much like my focus while watching this, as I was about to fall asleep out of plain boredom. (2 out of 10)  

My Week With Marilyn

My Week With Marilyn

Michelle Williams gives a fantastic performance in this film as Marilyn Monroe, but it is not enough to make this film more than just above average for me. Everybody seemed to love this one when it came out, but much like films like "War Horse" and "The Iron Lady", I think it has the potential of something great, but somehow gets a little too slow-going and boring to really make the impact it should have. Worth a watch, but it'll just be the one. (6 out of 10)

Buzz Aldrin, What Happened to You in All the Confusion?

Buzz Aldrin, What Happened to You in All the Confusion?

In the Faroe Islands we haven't produced a lot of films, so we appreciate pretty much everything featuring our own actors. This Norwegian four episode mini-series is located on our beautiful islands for at least half of the entire show (the rest of the time we find ourselves in Norway) and features quite a few Faroese actors. The show itself, which is about a depressed Norwegian young man who moves to the Faroe Islands to start over after his girlfriend dumps him, is surprisingly good, not only by Faroese standards, but also by Scandinavian standards. (7 out of 10)    

Pete Smalls is Dead

Pete Smalls is Dead

If you saw this (which you probably didn't) and thought that the dwarf looked familiar, then you are right, because, yes, it's the same dwarf who was in "Death at a Funeral" (both English and American versions) and is in the popular TV-series "Game of Thrones". As you may have noticed, Peter Dinklage, usually doesn't land a lot of leading roles, but in this film, however, he deservably does play the lead. Sadly for him, however, the film is just not worth a damn. Skip this British comedy. (2 out of 10) 

Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown

Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown
I remember seeing some Charlie Brown cartoons on TV when I was younger - probably short films - but I don't recall being blown away by any of it. It got this film for my kids, but it turned out none of them wanted to watch it, so I watched it by myself and found it to be alright and probably better then a lot of what my kids are watching. (6 out of 10)

Gnomeo and Juliet

Gnomeo & Juliet
As the title implies this is a modern animated version of Shakespear's "Romeo and Juliet". When released last year, the film received mixed reviews. Quite a few were good, but a lot of them were also bad. Personally I found it quite enjoyable. It wasn't as good as last year's best animated films such as "Rango", "Happy Feet 2" and "Tintin", but it was a film worth seeing for those who are into animated films. (6 out of 10)

Yogi Bear

Yogi Bear
There were several semi-animated films released last year (okay this one was released i December 2010, but was released on DVD in March 2011) or should I call them part animated and part live-action films? Anyway, most of this kind of films that I saw last year were pretty bad. This one was defintely one of the worst (not worse than the newest "Alvin and the Chipmunks" film though). Not even my kids wanted to see this one again. (3 out of 10)

Resistance

Resistance
Oh my God, this was a real drag. It was like a bad BBC World War II film or something like that. Boring, boring, boring. What the fuck did Michael Sheen do in a piece of crap film like this. Jeeez. (2 out of 10)

Weekend

Weekend

After Iranian lesbian drama "Circumstance", "Weekend" was probably the gay picture of the year in 2011. It's about a young gay man who picks up another gay man he doesn't know at a bar. From there on the film centeres around their relationship that started as random sex and then evolved into on and of sex and then, who knows, maybe even love? The script of this film is very well written and even though the film moves slowly, it'll keep you interested. Give this film a try if you're into films about relationships. (7 out of 10)

A Little Help

A Little Help

Those of you who've liked the charming acting of Jenna Fischer in the television show "The Office", but think she hasn't come to her right in the motion pictures she has appeared in, well here's a chance to finally see her in a leading role where she does. In this film she plays an ordinary single mother who gets thrown of balance, but desperately tries to keep things together. The film may not the most interesting one, and it loses a few points, as it is a bit too slow in places, but it wins equally many back for the honest and heartfelt story. (6 out of 10)

Friends with Kids

Friends with Kids

"Friends with Kids" was supposed to be to the romantic indie-comedy genre in 2012 what "Bridesmaids" was to the same genre in 2011, but where "Bridesmaids" was a fairly good wedding movie, "Friends with Kids" digs a little further into the relationship, namely when the time comes for married couples to have kids. And then every once in a while when there are friends who want to have kids. Much like "Bridesmaids", "Friends with Kids" is a fairly good romantic comedy. Not as good as the critics have said, but still well worth your time if you're into romantic comedies, because it's a lot better than most of what normally comes from Hollywood within this genre. (6 out of 10)  

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre

"Jane Eyre" received a lot of praise last year and while I think it's a quite likeable film, I am not sure it is as good as people have made it sound. Sure, it's beautifully shot and features an amazing cast with the likes of Mia Wasikowska, Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbeinder, Judi Dench and others, but when it all comes down to it, this is pretty much just another British period drama much like most of the others of its kind. Fans of the genre, however, will go absolutely crazy about it, but then again, fans of the genre have surely seen it a good while ago. (6 out of 10)  

Brake

Brake

Just like "Elevator" was a total rip-off of "Devil", "Brake" is a total rip-off of "Buried". Only "Brake" takes place in the trunk of a car instead of a coffin. As in most cases with films that are really similar, it's hard for the newer film to be as effective as the first one, as it in a lot of ways, in its similarity, seems like something seen before. Watching "Brake" feels like that. Watching Ryan Reynolds in "Buried" was both effective and suspenseful, but watching Stephen Dorff in "Brake" just seems tried and it gets tired really fast. Those who stick through it all, though, get rewarded with an ending that comes out of nowhere and gets the overall impression up a notch or two. (5 out of 10)

Jane's Journey

Jane's Journey

Having studied chimpanzees for most of her life and having spent a great deal of her life trying to make this world a better place for people as well as animals, Jane Goodall is clearly a remarkable person and her lifework is truly admirable. This documentary about her sees a lot of people, including celebrities like Angeline Jolie and Pierce Brosnan, saying really good things about her. We also see Jane herself look back on her life as well as seeing some archive footage. There's no doubt that Jane's story is interesting, but I don't think the director of this film gets it across as well as he should have. I also think that this film feels a bit longer than it actually is. (6 out of 10)

Hysteria

Hysteria

It's not that I think British period dramas are too stiff and boring, but I think "Hysteria" was a breath of fresh air within this genre with its light take on things. "Hysteria" is in a lot of ways a rather typical romantic comedy, but it's also the story of the beginning of the vibrator. And yes, by vibrator, I am speaking of the sex toy. Sounds like a lot of fun, right? It actually is and the funniest part about it is that it is actually said to be based on true events. The film features a strong cast where Hugh Darcy and Maggie Gyllenhaal shine the brightest. (7 out of 10)

Hop

Hop

I love watching children’s movies with my kids and I was really looking forward to watching last year's semi-animated eastern hit movie with them. Needless to say, my kids absolutely loved it and still watch it frequently. But I can't say that I was as crazy about it and some would argue that I shouldn't be. James Marsden sucked badly in the leading role and the eastern bunny was just too damn cute. The best thing about this film for me, was seeing the gospel band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, which I also was fortunate enough to hear live last year, play for a short while in this film. (4 out of 10)

The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In

The Spanish "The Skin I Live In" was one of the best foreign language films of last year, which didn't come as a surprise to me, as I haven't seen a Pedro Almodovar film yet that I haven't liked. Almodovar's films are always a bit strange and nothing quite like anything else you're bound to see and "The Skin I live In" is no different in that department. Actually, if it is different, it would rather be that it is even stranger and crazier than normally. Not only does this film deliver another great directing job by Pedro Almodovar, but it also delivers the best damn acting performance by Antonio Banderas in years. (8 out of 10)

Winnie The Pooh

Winnie The Pooh

Being 34, I'd say that I am a bit old for this, wouldn't you? That and the fact that Disney hardly are breaking new ground here, as well as this film is rather short for a feature film at full price, should all speak in favor of a mistake by Disney. However, seeing Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and all the others again, was actually quite pleasant. Not to mention that the kids seemed to love it. (6 out of 10)

Perfect Sense

Perfect Sense

Not knowing anything about this film, I really thought that I was about to see a typical romantic film, which I probably based on the poster. Heck, I even had my girlfriend by my side when I watched it, because I figured she'd like it. This is a love story, let there be no doubt about that, but there's nothing typical about this one. This is actually an apocalyptic sci-fi romance set in modern-day Glasgow. It has a thing or two in common with last year's "Melancholia" and "Another Earth" and this year's "4:44 Last Day on Earth", but it is even sadder than any of those. (6 out of 10)

Dirty Girl

Dirty Girl

The biggest problem with "Dirty Girl" is that this supposedly dirty girl isn't dirty enough, or at least as dirty as I expected her to be. For a few minutes in the beginning she's a little bit bad perhaps, but that's soon over and from there on, she is actually quite sweet if you ask me. Anyway, "Dirty Girl" is pretty much your typical run-of-the-mill coming-of-age story with nothing new or interesting to show for. (4 out of 10)

Rango

Rango

First time animated film director, Gore Verbinski (also the director of the first three "Pirates of The Caribbean" films), actually pulled off making one of the best animated films of last year. Fans of the western genre will be as pleased with this one as animation fans. The name "Rango" probably comes from the western classic "Django", but Clint Eastwood in "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" comes just as often to mind while watching the lead character in this film. Check this one out if you haven't. (7 out of 10) 

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol

I am not a big fan of Hollywood franchises, but I have enjoyed the previous "Mission: Impossible" films. None of them were great, but we knew what to expect and it delivered just that: mindless, action-packed fun. Therefore I totally get that this flick, at this point, is the most rented film in the US, but I am not quite getting the 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Anyway, there are many things that I don't get, so I'll just cut it even shorter than I am used to by simply saying that this one delivers exactly what the previous films did. (6 out of 10) 

Swinging with the Finkels

Swinging With The Finkels
There are probably a lot of actors who've been in films, which have a zero % rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but there certainly aren't many who've managed that twice in the same year. Mandy Moore is one, though, as this flick along with "Love Wedding Marrage" did just that in 2011. And I can only agree with the critics on this one. It's simply painfully bad and doesn't deliver on any of its promises, least of anything the swinging part. Skip it. (1 out of 10)

Love Wedding Marriage

Love Wedding Marriage

The first time I came aware of Mandy Moore was in "A Walk To Remember", which was an overly sentimental chick-flick that had me cry like a baby. Needless to say, I am not afraid to say that I really liked that film even though most people will laugh at me for saying so. After that film, however, I don't recall having seen Mandy Moore in anything worthwile and in "Love Wedding Marriage" is has reached rock bottom for her and can't possibly get any worse. "Love Wedding Marriage" is a horrible, horrible film. Don't believe me? Well, believe the critics then. This film as a zero % rating on Rotten Tomatoes. (1 out of 10)

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

This was one of the films that were nominated for an Oscar for best film. Of course, it didn't win and no one even thought it had a chance. The reviewers have also been pretty divided on this one. Some have given it good reviews, while quite a few have been trashing it for being overly sentimental. Sure, I can see where those reviewers are coming from, because, quite frankly, this film is overly sentimental. I would even go as far as saying that it is emotionally manipulative, but even when being aware of this, I can't help but fall in love with the story about this boy who has lost his father and is searching for answers. (8 out of 10) 

The Trouble With Bliss

The Trouble With Bliss

Although I haven't found time for more than the first four seasons of "Dexter", I must tell you that I am a huge fan of the show. Michael C. Hall is just fantastic in that show and I would've guessed that he'd be a huge star in no time after the first season. That didn't happen though, although he got a big break in Hollywood film "Gamer", which sadly sucked pretty badly. In "The Trouble With Bliss" he is kind of back in his old element and delivers a great performance. The overall story of the film, however, lacks something extra to really make this indie flick not just being another face in the crowd. (5 out of 10)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

My biggest problem with Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movies is that they just don't feel like Sherlock Holmes. They're just way too comic and overblown. Of course, it's supposed to be like that, but even though I am not a big Sherlock Holmes expert, I am quite sure that I would have liked a traditional Sherlock Holmes crime story just as much as this. The final 30 minutes of this film, however, are quite entertaining, but it is empty entertainment. As for the rest of the film, it just didn't capture my attention as it should have. I miss the good old Guy Ritchie (5 out of 10)

The Divide

The Divide

In this violent, graphic and claustrophobic thriller, 9 people seek shelter after a nuclear attack in a bunker-like basement. This film is not easy on the eyes. It's full of blood, gore, torture and rape. To some people this may seem really promising, but it really isn't. This film is rather repetitive and is at least half an hour to long. At times it even feels like they've just come up with things as they've went along. The film is probably an interesting human behavior study or something like that, but it would've come across better if it was shorter and more to the point. The final ten minutes of the film, however, is pretty much perfect cinema, with picture and sounds colliding in wonderful harmony. (5 out of 10)

Haywire

Haywire

Steven Soderberg is a great film director, but he has both made hits and misses in the past. With an as great cast as the one in "Haywire", one could only expect this one to be fantastic. To be honest, though, I think it's fair to say that "Haywire" is neither a hit nor miss. It's actually one of those in between movies, which is not bad, but not that great either. Fans of the spy-thriller genre will like it, but would probably watch "The Bourne Identity" any day over this. (6 out of 10)

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids

"Bridesmaids" is yet another film in a long line of films about weddings. I wouldn't normally be expecting much from such a film, but after all the hype when it came out last year, I was actually starting to get my hopes up and although it was quite humorous, I couldn't help but feeling a little bit disappointed, as it certainly wasn't the masterpiece some people would have me believe it to be. Having said that, however, I must admit, that it was a breath of fresh air compared to most of the other films within the genre lately. (6 out of 10)

John Carter

John Carter

Wow, for a Disney film this was really something else. It's an adrenaline-pumping and action-packed sci-fi and fantasy film full of special effects, which isn't quite what I have come to expect from Disney. But even though this is quite something else for a Disney film, this really is rather typical when it comes to Hollywood, though. This is the first live-action feature from Andrew Stanton, who's widely known for directing animated films such as "Wall-E" and "Finding Nemo" and writing screenplays for the "Toy Story" films. Personally, I think he should keep his focus on animated projects in the future. (3 out of 10)

Take Shelter

Take Shelter

"Take Shelter" was one of my favorite movies of 2011 and by saying that I mean somewhere on my top 20 list. Obviously the film has a great story, it is directed very well and has good acting all over, but the number one reason for me to fall in love with this film was the outstanding performance of leading role actor, Michael Shannon, who plays a loving father and husband who's pushed to the edge of sanity and beyond after starting having nightmares of a forthcoming apocalyptic storm. The movie builds up slowly, but delivers and everything and more towards the end. (8 out of 10)

Goon

Goon

Let there be no doubt about it: "Goon" is a sports movie, but it's not a sports movie that is as typical and by-the-book as most sports movies. Okay, being a comedy and having Seann William Scott the leading role automatically gives it a goofy touch, but don't go expecting anything along the lines of "American Pie" or anything like that. Actually, despite its comic and brutal touch, it's probably the most serious I've seen Seann William Scott. I don't think this film is as good as the critics have claimed, but it's one of the better indie comedies so far this year. Those who liked the hockey film, "Slap Shot", will probably love "Goon" as well. (6 out of 10)

Hanna

Hanna

"Hanna" is a highly entertaining and adrenaline-pumping thriller and while the story may be a little crazy and the film itself is a bit unsteady as a whole, it's definitely worth a watch. If you're into all those European style thrillers, "Hanna" will definitely be your thing, but if was to advise you to see another cat and mouse type of thriller that is better than this one, I'd ask you to check out the independent British film "A Lonely Place to Die" first. (6 out of 10)