Safety Not Guaranteed

Just when you think you have this one figured out, the film does an excellent job of reminding you that you don't know as much about it as you think.  It is fun, while at the same time can be very grounding, and there is a lesson to be taken from it, but you will have to get that for yourself.

And the ending... THE ENDING!

5/5

Acolytes

Australian Cinema>Hollywood


Fans of Australian cinema will be very pleased with this film.  A disturbing plot works well with the realism of the characters, but as we have seen in many other Aussie movies, there really isn't anyone to "like" in this film, and the line between protagonist and antagonist is very thin




4.3/5

Dead Girl

Once you see the deeper meaning in this one, it is actually quite acceptable.  A creepy, sadistic portrait of how society views those who are not "normal."

3.8/5

Primer

A solid low budget film, that constantly succeeds in making you second guess the plot



4/5

Red State

A pretty decent story of the extremes religious "nuts" will go for their beliefs.  But to me, it seemed an incomplete story, with some pacing issues, that moved a little fast at times.  The interesting action sequences were complemented by some political comedy, which we have come to expect from director, Kevin Smith, but at the end I found myself expecting more.

3/5

Mary and Max

Absolutely unique, at times funny, but with a mostly dark and depressing underlying theme.  A story of unusual friendship, that comes across unhealthy, but for the characters, could be the only thing keeping them alive.

4.3/5

Grave Encounters

I have an inconsistent interest in found footage films, and I figured I would give this a try.  Although there were some good scares, and some original ideas, the story wasn't enough to hold me, and the characters weren't very likable.  Decent Idea, poor execution 

3.1/5 

Blue Valentine

An emotionally intense depiction of a relationship at its best and at its very worst, The acting of Gosling and Williams is extremely gripping, and their characters are very real.



4.3/5

The Escapist

A lot more substance than your average prison escape movie, bringing something refreshing to an over done genre. Worth watching



3.9/5

Lake Mungo

An impressive little Australian faux documentary drama/horror film with unexpected but impressive plot twists.  The mocumentary style works well, and helps to build suspense, which would be difficult to do in another format.  Scary but not overwhelming, a rare mix between drama and horror.



4.1/5