The Libertine - 2004 *

Mournfully depressing movie about the notorious womaniser the 2nd Earl of Rochester. We know it's going to be depressing because one of the first things he says to the audience is how much we are going to dislike him. I suspect this is supposed to be 'quirky', but it's really not. Johnny Depp is a fantastic actor, but even he couldn't do much with this. Most of the movie consists of swearing, depressing conversations about how unpopular he is, screaming matches with various women he has been bedding, and a lot of emphasis on a huge plaster cast of a penis that keeps appearing in a play that has been put on for Rochester's pal Charles II. I must say that Malkovich does a pretty good English accent, well to be honest they both do, but why either of them chose to be in this film is a mystery to me. It wastes two talented actors and doesn't show their acting abilities in a good light at all. 

She's Too Young - 2004 ***

This is a surprisingly well acted movie about the dangers of being young and promiscuous. Hannah is a shy and naïve 14 year old girl from a religious family. Her friends spend their time sleeping with as many men as possible and it is only when Hannah is approached by the 'hottest' guy in school, that she falls pray to his charming yet manipulative ways. When it turns out that she has given in to his affections, other secrets surface from her friends, leading to heart-breaking results.
A good moral film.

(HORROR) Alien VS Predator - 2004 ***

I can't say that I will be much of a reliable judge if I review this film. Partly because I've only see half of 'Alien' and have never seen any of the 'Predator' films. From what I saw, I liked, although if I'm honest I think I would of good much more out of the film if I knew the background stories to both 'sides.'

(HORROR) The Doll Master - 2004 **

This freaked me out far more than I think was intended purely because I am terrified of dolls. The idea of painted dolls moving makes me feel quite sick, so you can imagine how it made the characters in the film, who were subjected to constant scenes full of moving dolls with bloodshot eyes and incredibly straight hair. A typical Japanese horror about ancient curse/revenge. Weird.

Layer Cake - 2004 ***

'Layer Cake' is one of those films where the die-hard gangster fans go on and on about how you need to watch it a number of times before you can 'understand how complex' it is. In the same vein as 'Lock Stock' and 'Snatch'. Well I haven't seen 'Lock Stock' and I had no difficulty in understanding AND enjoying 'Snatch' on the first time around, so I'm not sure why this would be any different. 'Layer Cake' has a good cast (except for Daniel Craig who I'm sorry will NEVER be a good leading man *All 'Skyfall' fans jump on me in anger*) but still there seems to be something missing here. The humour, the plot and even the acting is a bit ridiculous. I wanted to see this to be able to say I'd seen it, but I really can't see what all the fuss is about with regards to Matthew Vaughan's direction, it's nothing special. Gangster-comedy-drama rarely works, and it didn't here.

Vanity Fair - 2004 *** 1/2

I do wonder whether William Mackpeace Thackery's novel went on for quite as long as this film seemed to. I'd wanted to see this for a while, and thought it would be interesting to see Resse Witherspoon in a period drama. But she was actually very good, and very natural (you wouldn't imagine through watching her that she was the same actress as in 'Legally Blonde') and gave her character Becky Sharp a real edge.

The story is typical of the period, or regency era, a young girl from a not too privileged background seeks greater things by climbing her way up the social ladder by any means necessary.

Interesting and at times quite gripping, 'Vanity Fair' is a story of a gutsy woman who grabs opportunites with both hands regardless of the consequences, something maybe more of us should take on board.

12 Days of Terror - 2004 **** 1/2

First off, the poster for this movie looks ridiculous and totally modern which is not what the film is. However, saying that I found this movie utterly compelling, and one of the best shark movies I have ever seen. Added to which, one of the things I liked about it was that it wasn't gory for gore's sake. It tried as best it could to depict events which happened a very long time ago, and although it may not have been spot on I think it was probably as close as it could have been whilst also trying to have a constant storyline as well.

The shark attacks of 1916 that occured in New Jersey really shocked the community, but the fact that the mayor and the police both decided not to close the beach for swimming until 2 attacks had taken place showed a definite lacklustre approach towards the safety of the bathers.

I thought the whole film was very atmospheric, very upsetting and excellently acted (Colin Egglesfield was a standout performance) and the fact that the events were real made it even more terrifying.

The Bridesmaid - 2004 ****

I had no idea this was even Chabrol when I decided that I wanted to watch it. I was mostly captured by the story and the fact it was based on a Ruth Rendall story. When I found out who was directing it as well I decided I had to see it. And it was a totally bizarre and very weird experience.

Philippe has a successful job and is fiercely devoted to his mother. He however begins to resent his family constantly butting into his personal life and asking why he still doesn't have a girlfriend especially as one of his sisters is about to get married. At her wedding he meets one of her bridesmaids named Senta and from then on they begin a passionate and intensely paranoid relationship with terrifying results.

A really mind-blowing experience and proof that so far to my knowledge, Claude Chabrol has not made a duff film yet.